4 legal issues that early-stage entrepreneurs should consider

You have an early-stage start-up.

You're ready to start implementing your vision – building the initial prototype, pitching to angel investors, and spreading the word on social media.

But have you stopped to consider matters such as how you're going to set up and fund your business, protect your intellectual property and manage your team?

Here are four key legal issues you need to be considering while your start-up is still in its early stages:

1. Protecting your intellectual property

It is vitally important that you think about how best to protect your IP early, particularly if it is a key asset for your business. And you should think about 'IP' in broad terms – it may not just be about traditional forms of intellectual property such as copyright, trademarks and patents; it could also be confidential information, 'big data', licensed-in rights, know-how, supply networks, customer lists and relationships.