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

Notice what is missing from this list of priorities: The company itself – that is, a business entity, most often a corporation , that will own the entire business (however defined), issue equity to founders, take investment capital , enter into contracts, make sales, pay employees and contractors, and so forth. Good stuff!

IP 114

IP Intellectual Property Equity Liquidity Event 114

Gust

FEBRUARY 16, 2014

Don’t count on your IP to save you. Employees stop innovating. Employees are human, and a static known environment is more comfortable than a dynamic one. With decreased employee productivity and outdated technology, your costs go up, and income drops. Change is the only constant in a successful business.

Startup 156

Startup IP Employee Technology 156

Gust

DECEMBER 8, 2011

Determine the allocation of equity among co-founders, early employees or other service providers, and future contributors as applicable, as well as the vesting schedule , if any, that will apply. Offer letters for employees. Pick a name for the new legal entity (e.g., Newco, Inc.”) Independent contractor or consulting agreements.

Intellectual Property 139

Intellectual Property Non-disclosure Agreement Delaware Stock 139

Gust

SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

Less than you’ll probably grant your most junior employees in stock options? How do you think they’ll feel if your next round is at a $50 million post money valuation and their hard-earned $25,000 is worth 0.05% of your company? Him: Not so good. Obviously he’d be pissed off. I hadn’t really thought about it. Me: I know. Last year ….

Liquidation Preference 153

Liquidation Preference Valuation Term Sheet Stock 153