article thumbnail

Someone Stole My Startup Idea – Part 3: The Best Defense is a Good IP Strategy

Steve Blank

Early on in my career I took a “we’re moving too fast to deal with lawyers” attitude to patents and Intellectual Property (IP.) The assets you can protect may include your “core technology&# like source code, hardware designs, architectures, processes, formulas. Type of IP. _. software, songs, movies, web site content. _.

article thumbnail

Protect Your Business Plan Like It’s Your Baby—Here’s How

Up and Running

Nearly all businesses, whether they are small or large, are comprised of intellectual property (IP) and trade secrets, which can serve as the foundation for commercial success. The World Intellectual Property Organization defines IP as, “creations of the mind,” which, depending on the business, can take many forms. Source code.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Someone Stole My Startup Idea – Part 2: They Raised Money With My.

Steve Blank

As we were out looking for our Series B round, our company had gotten the attention of “name of big VC firm here” who wanted a play in enterprise software. During the due-diligence process, I sat down with one of the partners who pulled out a set of slides and asked me: ”Have you seen these?” Are These Your Slides?

article thumbnail

The Inside Story of a Small Startup Acquisition (Part 3)

Software By Rob

Could you talk a bit about the diligence you did during the acquisition? How long into the discussion before you commenced diligence? Due diligence is the most important part of the process because it dictates whether you should move forward with the acquisition, and at what price. She asks me to sign an NDA, which I do.

article thumbnail

Pick the Perfect Name for Your Startup

mashable.com

I'd be happy to sign an nda. Parrot AR Drone Review [VIDEO] View More » Web Video Local FOX Station Airs Hilarious Soci. SCVNGR Makes Major Enhancements to iP. Eric Axelson Hi brad. I am a realtor in south jersey/philadelphia who dabbles in naming. I would love the opportunity to brainstorm names for/with you.

Naming 94
article thumbnail

6 critical tips for launching a startup while holding a day job | VentureBeat

venturebeat.com

Don’t use company property or Internet, ever - Another clause in most employment agreements is that anything you do physically at work, or on software and equipment owned by the company (e.g. As for the employer, I would say don't compete with your employer and don't come close to using any IP of theirs.

article thumbnail

Startup Lessons for the Proto-Founder

www.metamorphblog.com

Experienced, talented software engineers have lots of options in life, and most of them involve getting paid. Make sure you own all the IP created during this trial period, and make no promises for later. Huge upfront software licensing fees. Imagine you’re a highly-trained software engineer. Recruit college kids.

Founder 51