Branding, customer data, technology such as software, mobile
applications, etc., form an integral part of the intellectual
property (IP) portfolio of any start-up company. Protection of IP
is crucial for startups in view of the value it brings to the
business right from attracting investors and making financing
easier to leveraging against competition,
generating revenue from licensing, assignment or
transfer arrangements, and contributing to the company's
branding and marketing strategy. Given the above, startups need to
invest and take as many measures as they can to protect their
IP.
Perils of infringement
In addition to protecting their IP from third party
infringement, startups should be aware of others' IP rights to
ensure that someone else's rights will not limit them or
prevent them from operating their business. There have been various
cases where prominent brand names or logos have been infringed and
the courts have passed restraining orders or
