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ARTICLE · 04 DECEMBER 2014

Five Intellectual Property Considerations For Startups - Part I

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A successful startup provides a solution to a market need. Typically, the solution involves a new or improved device or technique.

United StatesIntellectual Property
Christopher McKenna
Christopher McKenna
Chethan Srinivasa
Chethan Srinivasa
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A successful startup provides a solution to a market need. Typically, the solution involves a new or improved device or technique. As a startup defines and develops its solution, intellectual property (IP) becomes a core asset of the company. Indeed, after management members themselves, IP is often a startup's most valuable asset.

This is the first article of a Startup Intellectual Property Series to help startups understand how to identify and protect their IP. The first two entries in this Series introduce the following five threshold questions that every startup should consider:

  • Do you own all of your IP?
  • How can you safely discuss your IP with others?
  • How do you identify and protect your competitive differentiators?

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