Gust

DECEMBER 22, 2011

Having covered all the bases to ensure that your corporate name is available, the domain name can be acquired, and the name doesn’t infringe any existing trademarks (as we discussed last week ), now is a good time to look at the categories of intellectual property (IP) that are relevant to most startups. Intellectual property.

Intellectual Property 149

Intellectual Property Technical Review Software Review IP 149

Gust

JANUARY 4, 2012

Last month we covered the basics of intellectual property (IP) for startups, including a simple taxonomy, some common issues and related documents for entrepreneurs to use when forming a new startup. How much is it worth investing in cultivating and enforcing an IP portfolio ? Barriers to entry ?

Intellectual Property 143

Intellectual Property IP Startup United States 143

Gust

DECEMBER 1, 2011

Nevertheless, choosing to defer basic corporate housekeeping items can be disastrous in some circumstances, as when the failure to spend a few thousand dollars on legal fees to clarify IP ownership and equity arrangements comes back to bite a successful company to the tune of millions of dollars on the eve of a liquidity event. Good stuff!

IP 114

IP Intellectual Property Equity Liquidity Event 114

Gust

FEBRUARY 16, 2014

Once they see you have developed credible traction, they can grab your space with less cost (meaning lower price) than you had to put into developing it. Don’t count on your IP to save you. Technology keeps improving at a rapid rate, so you fall behind in technology, driving costs up, and you become non-competitive.

Startup 156

Startup IP Employee Technology 156

Gust

JULY 22, 2012

I hear lots of excuses from startup founders, like “I’m too busy,” concern over IP security, can’t afford an agency, and it’s too early. At any point, hiring a professional to generate your PR may be well worth the cost, but it’s not required. As an entrepreneur, it’s never too early to start selling yourself and your idea.

Elevator Pitch 158

Elevator Pitch Startup IP Public Relations 158

Gust

SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

There are a million ways to do quick, easy, low-cost rounds with prices. So if the next round is higher they have a much lower cost of ownership than the next investors anyways. But most VCs don’t bother so many convertible note founders get screwed and never know it until they sell their companies. My colleague: Whoa. Employment.

Liquidation Preference 153

Liquidation Preference Valuation Term Sheet Stock 153

Gust

DECEMBER 8, 2011

From choosing a legal entity or jurisdiction to properly documenting IP assignments and stock issuances to complying with securities laws and avoiding potentially enormous tax penalties in the future, there is plenty here to warrant consulting a professional.

Intellectual Property 139

Intellectual Property Non-disclosure Agreement Delaware Stock 139