Your innovative AR designs are at risk. How can you safeguard them from unauthorized use by rivals?

As AR reshapes the digital landscape, protecting intellectual property (IP) is more critical than ever for brands and creators. Digital Rights Management (DRM) offers essential protection by securing AR assets—like 3D models and virtual clothing—and ensuring they are only used as authorized. DRM allows creators to encrypt their content, control access, and monitor usage, preventing unauthorized copying or distribution. This safeguards innovation and preserves the value of their work. For industries like fashion and entertainment, DRM is vital in protecting creativity and IP within AR spaces.

To protect your innovative AR designs, implement robust security measures. Use NDAs to maintain confidentiality, secure your development environment, and protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights, and trademarks. Embed watermarks or digital fingerprints to track unauthorized use. Obfuscate and encrypt sensitive data. Conduct regular security audits and educate employees on data security. By following these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of using your AR designs without permission. During my time at FSM where I used to build AR software for smart manufacturing readiness, I used to publish it on-prem and provide access to customers based on certain above criteria and not have it public

I have always followed 3 principles in securing confidential designs. Irrespective of tech they work - 1. People - Educate them. Tell the reason for protecting and how they are equally accountable. It elevates motivation to keep designs secret. 2. Process - Have water tight NDA in place first. Establish process for sharing the designs and most importantly exceptions approvals. 3. Technology - Implement robust access control mechanism. Role based, delegation, efficient sharing and exceptions approvals are key features.

So first things make sure you have rights and access management. After that if something needs be secured make sure it is marked private, confidential and use with credits whatever is the nature of your work . You can also leverage cyber security and legal measures for digital asset management and encrypt you most confidential and important data and assets.

Protecting innovative AR designs from competitors is important, but how crucial is it for long-term success? Rather than focusing on strict protection, it might be more effective to engage with the community and drive progress through collaboration. Innovation accelerates when ideas are shared, benefiting the entire industry. True competitive advantage comes from specialized expertise, ongoing development, and the ability to adapt quickly—not just from safeguarding ideas. In fact, an overemphasis on protection could hinder innovation, while active participation in the community may lead to more sustainable success.