FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is intellectual property strategy for startups?
It’s a legal plan to identify, prioritize, and protect your company’s intangible assets like software, brand, and content based on business goals, funding needs, and market risks.
When should I start thinking about IP strategy?
Ideally in the early stages before you launch, raise capital, or hire contractors. Early planning helps avoid costly mistakes and missed opportunities.
Do I need a trademark or a patent first?
It depends. Trademarks protect your brand, while patents protect inventions. We help you decide what to file, when, and whether it aligns with your product roadmap.
What’s the difference between copyright, trademark, and patent protection?
Copyright protects creative works like code, content, and designs. Trademarks protect your brand identity (names, logos). Patents protect technical inventions and processes
What if I hired someone to build my product do I own the IP?
Not always. Unless there’s a written IP assignment, contractors or developers may own what they create. We help fix or prevent this.
Can IP strategy help me raise funding?
Yes. Investors want to see that your startup owns and protects its core IP. We help prepare your documentation and clean up risks before due diligence.
How much does it cost to create an IP strategy?
We offer flat-fee IP strategy packages tailored to your stage, with optional add-ons like trademark filings or patent referrals. It’s more cost-effective than cleaning up IP issues later.
Do I need a patent for my SaaS product?
Not always. Many SaaS companies rely more on copyright, trade secrets, and contracts. We evaluate whether patent protection makes sense based on your tech and competition.
What is an IP roadmap?
It’s a step-by-step plan for what to protect, when, and how—aligned with your business goals and budget.
Can you help with a trademark search and filing?
Yes. We provide clearance searches, filing strategy, and end-to-end trademark services as part of your IP plan.
How do I protect my content or course materials?
Through copyright registration, contracts with creators, and platform terms. We guide you through securing ownership and avoiding infringement.
What if I’m already using open-source tools?
That’s common. We help you understand license obligations and make sure your use complies with legal and investor expectations.
What’s the risk of not having an IP strategy?
Unclear ownership, brand disputes, missed protection windows, investor red flags, and difficulty licensing or exiting. A smart IP plan prevents all of that.
Do you file patents?
We don’t draft patents, but we refer you to trusted patent counsel and help coordinate the strategy and business fit.
Can you help with IP during a partnership or M&A deal?
Absolutely. We review IP clauses, assignment terms, licensing agreements, and ensure your rights are clear in high-value transactions.
