Crowdfunding: Tips for the Start-Up

If you are a start-up considering the crowdfunding route, let's talk. Here are a few tips to consider:

• IP: Most crowdfunding portals require extensive disclosure of the start-up's business plans and product prototypes. That makes sense - after all, investors want to know what they're investing in. The start-up should consider the scope of disclosure in light of intellectual property issues. Will the technical info, drawings, or descriptions constitute a public disclosure of the company's inventions, and if so, this may impact patentability, in Canada or the US or other important markets. Consider patent issues, and also make sure you mark your trademarks and display copyright notices where appropriate.