Startups and their founders have nothing short of a ten-page list of things that need to be tackled to successfully launch of their business. From securing funding, to hiring the right team members, establishing a digital footprint, and finding the perfect workspace to fit your growing team.
On the list of priorities, where does protecting intellectual property (IP) fall? In developing a rational IP strategy, startups should consider thinking about IP at key events in the startup’s lifecycle. By focusing the IP strategy on key events, the startup can ensure that they have thought about the relevant IP issues without overwhelming the founders or the management team.
Every company is different, but in a typical lifecycle of a startup, six key events take place that can and should trigger IP strategy discussion and possible actions to ensure the protection of a startup’s intellectual capital.