For startups that have multiple founders or shareholders, want VC funding, or intend to create a valuable company that can be sold for a fortune, the answer to whether the startup owns the IP rights to work created by company founders is critical. Just ask Edward Saverin, one of The Facebook’s founders. MORE >>

You may be thinking, sure that’s great for the big boys who can afford patents but: W h at’s the value of a good patent to a little startup? Even for a tiny startup, a good patent on your core technology, service or distribution method can give you an amazing competitive advantage. IP Basics Patent Law Strategic IP Plan MORE >>

And few have a strategic IP plan. Screwing up your IP, however, can devastate the value of your company forever. For example, incorporating code that legally belongs to your current or former employer can make you and your startup liable for trade secret misappropriation claims and copyright infringement claims. MORE >>

Many companies, however, don’t consider IP protection until they need it.”. Have you ever wondered: Does my startup have any intellectual property that can be legally protected? Here are the most common areas where most companies have some form of IP protection. Tags: IP Basics Trademark law. See the related post. MORE >>

They actually created an IP mess because they didn’t understand how to write a copyright license or transfer. To learn more about copyright law and why it’s important if you are paying someone else to design your website read How a Legally Ignorant Web Designer Can Create an IP Mess for a Startup’s Website. MORE >>