How Rainforest Automation Takes the Peaks Out of the Grid

Protecting Innovations in a Competitive Market

How do you build a moat that can protect you from giants? Rainforest Automation is an energy management software company whose product sits between electric utilities, the grid, other technologies, and end customers. As CEO Chris Tumpach puts it, they’re “the guy in the middle.” Being in the middle places them in a crowded patent landscape, filled with giant companies and non-practicing entities. This market is too competitive to enter without a strong plan, as Chris found out: “We got, I’d say, rudely awoken to the realities of operating in the space, and we realized we needed a different strategy that we’re going to engage on.”

We have two patents that are now approved, which we didn’t have when we joined IAC, and a number of other patents that are pending.

Chris Tumpach, CEO and Founder, Rainforest Automation

Working with IAC empowered Rainforest Automation to build an IP strategy based on what they could realistically protect. As Chris describes it, IAC’s training programs and incentives made sure they were always on the right path and considering IP protection at every step.

Engaging with IAC’s educational resources also gave the Rainforest Automation team the ability to break down the elements of their IP strategy and communicate them more clearly to internal and external stakeholders. “That builds confidence in us and our approach, and builds confidence with our customers and investors,” says Chris.

About Rainforest Automation

Rainforest Automation is a Vancouver energy management software company serving electric utilities, helping them analyze, reduce and shift how their customers use energy. Its products connect utility systems, in-home devices and third-party hardware, so that demand can be moved away from the hours when the grid is under the most strain.