Navigating intellectual property protections and issues can be a
complicated and challenging process for emerging companies. In the
fast-paced start-up world, it is not unusual for IP concerns to
take a backseat. But disciplined and proper IP management is
critical to any emerging company. Strong IP rights can be used to
impose a barrier to competition, generate a portfolio of assets
that can be leveraged, and help increase the value of a business.
Here are four essential steps to protecting and strengthening your
IP assets. :
1. Insist that developers assign all IP rights to your
company
Anyone who creates IP for a company should be under a written
obligation to assign the rights in such IP to the company. This
includes employees, independent contractors, suppliers, other
developers and even company founders. Often, companies assume that
because they are paying for development work, they own the results
of the development. However, this is usually not the
