What if my prospect reacts negatively to my PitchMark® certificate?

If a prospect objects to your inclusion of a PitchMark® certificate, it typically leads to one of two outcomes: it either initiates a necessary conversation about Intellectual Property (IP) rights, or serves as a warning sign about the client's intentions:

• A filter for dodgy clients: If a client refuses to work with you specifically because you have PitchMarked your work, you have likely "dodged a bullet". An objection to a certificate would be akin to a client objecting to a request for prompt payment; it implies the client may want your ideas without intending to compensate you.
• Formalising the conversation: In many cases, an objection isn't a rejection but an opportunity to move the pitch into a formalised discussion. If a company has its own internal policies regarding how third-party IP is handled, the certificate may prompt them to raise those policies with you so both parties can reach a clear understanding.
• Identifying professionalism: While a creator might fear looking difficult or petty, the PitchMark® certificate actually signals they are on the ball and acting with the professional standards of a large company. A professional client is more likely to respect a vendor who takes their work and its protection seriously.
• Deterring potential idea theft: Much like a visible steering wheel lock on a car, the PitchMark® certificate is designed to make potential "idea thieves" think twice. If the presence of the PitchMark® certificate makes a client uncomfortable, it may be because they intended to take the idea to a cheaper vendor—a risk the PitchMark® certificate is specifically meant to highlight and discourage.
• Encouraging honesty: For clients who are honest operators, the certificate provides certainty. It allows them to demonstrate that they are stewarding vendor IP sustainably, which is increasingly important for corporate governance and sustainability reporting.

Ultimately, companies worth working for are those that respect your Intellectual Property rights and are willing to have a transparent conversation about them.