Don't share your personal or business name until you've qualified prospective buyers and obtained their confidentiality commitments. And certainly don't announce your name in for-sale ads. Advertise the nature and strength of your business instead of its name. MORE
So you’ve chosen a name for your startup, product, or both. 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. This is often referred to in the creative community as a “ work-for-hire agreement.”. MORE
Events with big names (a million times bigger than mine) don’t sell out, let alone like mine did on the day it was announced. So I said the only way to get into my event, even if you had a ticket, was by signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). MORE
Would a written agreement on the "conditions for rights" between the members before the "whos in?" As the Disney case established, even in the absence of a non-disclosure agreement, idea theft is actionable. Do you (or anyone) have any advice for a departing co-founder who has invested some of his own personal money and who also has a good chunk of his common stock vested already (but just a handshake - no agreements signed yet)(more than a year has passed). MORE
Here are the key elements: Company name. The company name becomes your intellectual property at the moment you incorporate your startup as an LLC or a Corporation. Sole proprietorships need to trademark the name to protect it. Internet domain name. This name (www. MORE
Would a written agreement on the "conditions for rights" between the members before the "whos in?" As the Disney case established, even in the absence of a non-disclosure agreement, idea theft is actionable. Do you (or anyone) have any advice for a departing co-founder who has invested some of his own personal money and who also has a good chunk of his common stock vested already (but just a handshake - no agreements signed yet)(more than a year has passed). MORE
Readers can anticipate my next point in continuing the analogy: It makes no more sense for a non-lawyer to prepare fundamental legal, governance, equity and intellectual property documents than it would for a patient to self-diagnose and begin taking prescription-strength antibiotics or other medications. Pick a name for the new legal entity (e.g., and search for its availability as a corporate name, domain name and trademark (all separate inquiries). MORE
Or it can be your brand , logo or domain name. non-public technology. A contract is a binding legal agreement that is enforceable in a court of law. a Non Disclosure Agreement gives you certain rights to protection of your confidential information.) Your invention must be “ non-obvious.” within one year of sale, offer for sale, public disclosure or public use. Make sure you have Employee Invention Assignment Agreements. (If MORE
Each document has a from-language, to-language, and a name. For example: in my translation site story, above, the first milestone might be just a plain ugly web page where a company can create an account, create a new project, then upload named documents into that project. The link to a bold idea - Buycott BP, [the link is my name takes a couple clicks cuz this comment was flagged as spam] - has what I believe are 1.0 Click on my name for the link. MORE
Here are the key elements: Company name. The company name becomes your intellectual property at the moment you incorporate your startup as an LLC or a Corporation. Sole proprietorships need to trademark the name to protect it. Internet domain name. This name (www. MORE
But we had signed a non-disclosure agreement with Best Buy – and they had assured us the information would remain confidential and was critical to moving forward. The board ultimately agreed to share the model – knowing we were protected by our confidentiality agreement. We needed to send a message to Best Buy – and every other large company – that they can’t blatantly violate agreements and steal ideas from startups. You can imagine the scene in the board room. MORE
Namely, it’s not required to register a trade secret with the government for it to be actionable. Actionable confidentiality is most reliably accomplished by making employees sign specific non-disclosure agreements regarding the trade secret. #5: MORE
While you can get non disclosure agreements printed out, having people sign these before you meet with them can be difficult. Trademark Your Name. By putting a face to your name and being authentic in your communications, your customers will be able to relate to you. MORE
You’ll name your own price and schedule and you’ll pick from actual entries to your project, not bids and proposals. And if you need even more privacy , you’ll be able to post any writing project as a Pro project, which gives you full control over users, non disclosure agreements, and more. NAMING. Company names. Need help naming your new startup or small business? Product or service names. Domain names. MORE
Neither had signed a non-compete or non-disclosure agreement, so the lawsuit by their former employer came as a complete surprise. When a giant like UPS sues you to stay away from its customers, what do you do? These founders learned--fast--how to pitch new customers. MORE
In April of 2012, a six-month-old Web security company in Mountain View, California, took $6 million in investment from two big-name venture capital firms. You definitely talk about stealth mode. MORE
Anytime you decide to bring in someone who does not have a stake in your business idea you should have them sign a binding Non Disclosure Agreement or NDA before you tell them or show them a thing. Non-compete Agreements Before and After Hiring. MORE
Your name or product name, branding, and customer lists are all valuable IP assets and need protection. And, if you are working with anyone on your business or idea, having work-for-hire and employment agreements will ensure the work done for the company is owned by the company. MORE
More often that not I see deals that are filled with legalese and are impossible to really understand by non-legal personnel. You may be putting an agreement together that enables a company that is getting a lot of leads for you or vice-versa to then hand off the sales. MORE
Here are the key elements: Company name. The company name becomes your intellectual property at the moment you incorporate your startup as an LLC or a Corporation. Sole proprietorships need to trademark the name to protect it. Internet domain name. This name (www. MORE
AIM Screen Name: DFNfrozenNorth. Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) were the order of the day. One startup even printed its NDA on the back of visitors badges, just like a software "shrink wrap" agreement: "By accepting this visitors badge, you agree to the terms of this Non-Disclosure Agreement." "The more I find out, the less I know.". Browse archives by date. Weather at the Frozen North. This is my personal blog. My professional blog is. MORE
A PR minder told us that prior to this tour visitors were required to sign a non-disclosure agreement form before being allowed into its offices, with photography strictly prohibited. Even the meeting rooms are named tongue-in-cheek. MORE
The Truth: A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) can be a useful document. Name *. About. Services. Contact. Startup Myths #1 – You Need an NDA. by Chris on January 5, 2011. This is a series of Startup Myths. MORE
A few quick exercises can help you develop the right content for a complete selling memo, along with advice for how to distribute the information to prospective buyers and why and how to obtain confidentiality agreements beforehand. MORE
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. We consciously didn’t ask potential customers to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Would have getting a signed confidentially agreement deterred this person?&# Would you mind if you could share to us the name your competitor who stole your ideas ? MORE
Due to a non-disclosure agreement I signed after I sold the site, I can’t tell you the name of it, but I can tell you that it was in the internet marketing niche. I made quite a name for myself by generating traffic to new web properties, so a lot of the initial promotion was word of mouth. Impossible? I did it in 11 months and 9 days with a niche site that solved a problem, but didn’t get a ton of traffic. MORE
A link to a non-disclosure agreement that people can review and sign ahead of time. Before we start, thank you for signing the non-disclosure agreement. Company name? At Google Ventures, we have a four-day process for answering questions and testing assumptions without the time or expense of launching. We call it a GV research sprint. This is the third in a series of five articles on running your own research sprint. MORE
named Fu Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005. Geomagic got sued by two big international companies that claimed we had violated non-disclosure agreements while in discussions with them. When I was named Inc. MORE
If you do have competition, pay special attention to your product name, price range, materials used, what the product claims to do, packaging, and who the manufacturer is. Your sell sheet should include: Your product name. The non-disclosure agreement (NDA). MORE
Are you outsourcing projects without a “work-for-hire” agreement? A company can register its name, phrases, sounds, or even symbols used with promoting their product. A common way to protect trade secrets is by having non-disclosure agreements and protecting sensitive documents. MORE
Here are some specifics: Company name. The company name becomes your intellectual property at the moment you incorporate your startup as an LLC or a Corporation. Sole proprietorships need to trademark the name to protect it. Internet domain name. This name (www. MORE
Think of your logo, brand name or even distinct product packaging. Many entrepreneurs preserve an earlier filing date by first filing for an easier-to-secure provisional patent and the completing the non-provisional patent application process within the allocated year. MORE
The suit alleged in part that Abhyanker pitched a neighborhood site called Nextdoor to Benchmark in 2007, and that Benchmark stole the website name and then, via one its entrepreneurs-in-residence, ran with the business idea themselves. MORE
Services – All new businesses need legal documents drawn up that deal with things like entity formation, raising seed round capital, creating a convertible debt note, non-disclosure agreements for outsiders, trademarks, and sometimes, patent applications. MORE
SEPTEMBER 26, 2013
They promise to provide all the info at the time of close, after you sign a non-disclosure agreement. Some aspiring entrepreneurs are so desperate for funding, or naïve, that they ignore the obvious signs of scams and rip-offs on the Internet, praying for a windfall. MORE
Even from the outset, Pied Piper had problems related to IP, with the founder having to beg a local irrigation company for the rights to the company name. Violating non-disclosure agreements. You can learn more about non-disclosure agreements here. MORE
Almost any attorney can break through a non disclosure agreement, so it doesn’t protect your ideas at the end of the day anyway. Hi, my name is. Doing your homework before seeking an investor is absolutely number one priority. MORE
Remember, though, it is only good for a year, after which you will need to convert it into a non-provisional application. If you trademark your company’s name , you can establish additional protection in the case of a legal dispute. by Lewis Robinson. It’s finally happened. MORE
They promise to provide all the info at the time of close, after you sign a non-disclosure agreement. Some aspiring entrepreneurs are so desperate for funding, or naïve, that they ignore the obvious signs of scams and rip-offs on the Internet, praying for a windfall. MORE
Startup Professionals Musings
JANUARY 4, 2017
Here are the key elements: Company name. The company name becomes your intellectual property at the moment you incorporate your startup as an LLC or a Corporation. Sole proprietorships need to trademark the name to protect it. Internet domain name. This name (www.
Startup Professionals Musings
SEPTEMBER 14, 2013
Here are the key elements: Company name. The company name becomes your intellectual property at the moment you incorporate your startup as an LLC or a Corporation. Sole proprietorships need to trademark the name to protect it. Internet domain name. This name (www.
Up and Running
JULY 25, 2016
Even from the outset, Pied Piper had problems related to IP, with the founder having to beg a local irrigation company for the rights to the company name. Violating non-disclosure agreements. You can learn more about non-disclosure agreements here.
Up and Running
SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
Your name or product name, branding, and customer lists are all valuable IP assets and need protection. And, if you are working with anyone on your business or idea, having work-for-hire and employment agreements will ensure the work done for the company is owned by the company.
Startup Professionals Musings
JANUARY 18, 2017
They promise to provide all the info at the time of close, after you sign a non-disclosure agreement. Some aspiring entrepreneurs are so desperate for funding, or naïve, that they ignore the obvious signs of scams and rip-offs on the Internet, praying for a windfall.
Redeye VC
DECEMBER 5, 2012
But we had signed a non-disclosure agreement with Best Buy – and they had assured us the information would remain confidential and was critical to moving forward. The board ultimately agreed to share the model – knowing we were protected by our confidentiality agreement. We needed to send a message to Best Buy – and every other large company – that they can’t blatantly violate agreements and steal ideas from startups. You can imagine the scene in the board room.
Blogtrepreneur | Entrepreneur Blog
MARCH 30, 2015
Namely, it’s not required to register a trade secret with the government for it to be actionable. Actionable confidentiality is most reliably accomplished by making employees sign specific non-disclosure agreements regarding the trade secret. #5:
Up and Running
MARCH 1, 2016
If you do have competition, pay special attention to your product name, price range, materials used, what the product claims to do, packaging, and who the manufacturer is. Your sell sheet should include: Your product name. The non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
Up and Running
APRIL 23, 2012
Almost any attorney can break through a non disclosure agreement, so it doesn’t protect your ideas at the end of the day anyway. Hi, my name is. Doing your homework before seeking an investor is absolutely number one priority.
YoungUpstarts
MAY 10, 2016
Think of your logo, brand name or even distinct product packaging. Many entrepreneurs preserve an earlier filing date by first filing for an easier-to-secure provisional patent and the completing the non-provisional patent application process within the allocated year.
Gust
DECEMBER 22, 2011
So you’ve chosen a name for your startup, product, or both. 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. This is often referred to in the creative community as a “ work-for-hire agreement.”.
Inc Startups
JANUARY 21, 2014
In April of 2012, a six-month-old Web security company in Mountain View, California, took $6 million in investment from two big-name venture capital firms. You definitely talk about stealth mode.
Mike Michalowicz
AUGUST 19, 2014
Events with big names (a million times bigger than mine) don’t sell out, let alone like mine did on the day it was announced. So I said the only way to get into my event, even if you had a ticket, was by signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
YoungUpstarts
AUGUST 12, 2016
While you can get non disclosure agreements printed out, having people sign these before you meet with them can be difficult. Trademark Your Name. By putting a face to your name and being authentic in your communications, your customers will be able to relate to you.
Gust
DECEMBER 8, 2011
Readers can anticipate my next point in continuing the analogy: It makes no more sense for a non-lawyer to prepare fundamental legal, governance, equity and intellectual property documents than it would for a patient to self-diagnose and begin taking prescription-strength antibiotics or other medications. Pick a name for the new legal entity (e.g., and search for its availability as a corporate name, domain name and trademark (all separate inquiries).
Inc Startups
FEBRUARY 13, 2012
Services – All new businesses need legal documents drawn up that deal with things like entity formation, raising seed round capital, creating a convertible debt note, non-disclosure agreements for outsiders, trademarks, and sometimes, patent applications.
Inc Startups
APRIL 2, 2013
Neither had signed a non-compete or non-disclosure agreement, so the lawsuit by their former employer came as a complete surprise. When a giant like UPS sues you to stay away from its customers, what do you do? These founders learned--fast--how to pitch new customers.
Entrepreneurs-Journey.com by Yaro Starak
OCTOBER 18, 2011
Due to a non-disclosure agreement I signed after I sold the site, I can’t tell you the name of it, but I can tell you that it was in the internet marketing niche. I made quite a name for myself by generating traffic to new web properties, so a lot of the initial promotion was word of mouth. Impossible? I did it in 11 months and 9 days with a niche site that solved a problem, but didn’t get a ton of traffic.
YoungUpstarts
FEBRUARY 17, 2017
Remember, though, it is only good for a year, after which you will need to convert it into a non-provisional application. If you trademark your company’s name , you can establish additional protection in the case of a legal dispute. by Lewis Robinson. It’s finally happened.
YoungUpstarts
JUNE 6, 2013
More often that not I see deals that are filled with legalese and are impossible to really understand by non-legal personnel. You may be putting an agreement together that enables a company that is getting a lot of leads for you or vice-versa to then hand off the sales.
Startup Professionals Musings
SEPTEMBER 26, 2013
They promise to provide all the info at the time of close, after you sign a non-disclosure agreement. Some aspiring entrepreneurs are so desperate for funding, or naïve, that they ignore the obvious signs of scams and rip-offs on the Internet, praying for a windfall.
www.frozennorth.org
SEPTEMBER 16, 2011
AIM Screen Name: DFNfrozenNorth. Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) were the order of the day. One startup even printed its NDA on the back of visitors badges, just like a software "shrink wrap" agreement: "By accepting this visitors badge, you agree to the terms of this Non-Disclosure Agreement." "The more I find out, the less I know.". Browse archives by date. Weather at the Frozen North. This is my personal blog. My professional blog is.
Inc Startups
DECEMBER 21, 2011
The suit alleged in part that Abhyanker pitched a neighborhood site called Nextdoor to Benchmark in 2007, and that Benchmark stole the website name and then, via one its entrepreneurs-in-residence, ran with the business idea themselves.
Startup Professionals Musings
APRIL 27, 2010
Here are some specifics: Company name. The company name becomes your intellectual property at the moment you incorporate your startup as an LLC or a Corporation. Sole proprietorships need to trademark the name to protect it. Internet domain name. This name (www.
Design Staff
AUGUST 6, 2014
A link to a non-disclosure agreement that people can review and sign ahead of time. Before we start, thank you for signing the non-disclosure agreement. Company name? At Google Ventures, we have a four-day process for answering questions and testing assumptions without the time or expense of launching. We call it a GV research sprint. This is the third in a series of five articles on running your own research sprint.
Steve Blank
DECEMBER 10, 2009
Or it can be your brand , logo or domain name. non-public technology. A contract is a binding legal agreement that is enforceable in a court of law. a Non Disclosure Agreement gives you certain rights to protection of your confidential information.) Your invention must be “ non-obvious.” within one year of sale, offer for sale, public disclosure or public use. Make sure you have Employee Invention Assignment Agreements. (If
Inc Startups
MAY 16, 2012
A few quick exercises can help you develop the right content for a complete selling memo, along with advice for how to distribute the information to prospective buyers and why and how to obtain confidentiality agreements beforehand.
YoungUpstarts
SEPTEMBER 20, 2012
A PR minder told us that prior to this tour visitors were required to sign a non-disclosure agreement form before being allowed into its offices, with photography strictly prohibited. Even the meeting rooms are named tongue-in-cheek.
Inc Startups
JANUARY 4, 2013
named Fu Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005. Geomagic got sued by two big international companies that claimed we had violated non-disclosure agreements while in discussions with them. When I was named Inc.
Steve Blank
DECEMBER 7, 2009
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. We consciously didn’t ask potential customers to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Would have getting a signed confidentially agreement deterred this person?&# Would you mind if you could share to us the name your competitor who stole your ideas ?
Inc Startups
MAY 23, 2012
Don't share your personal or business name until you've qualified prospective buyers and obtained their confidentiality commitments. And certainly don't announce your name in for-sale ads. Advertise the nature and strength of your business instead of its name.
sivers.org
JUNE 25, 2010
Each document has a from-language, to-language, and a name. For example: in my translation site story, above, the first milestone might be just a plain ugly web page where a company can create an account, create a new project, then upload named documents into that project. The link to a bold idea - Buycott BP, [the link is my name takes a couple clicks cuz this comment was flagged as spam] - has what I believe are 1.0 Click on my name for the link.
crowdSPRING Blog
FEBRUARY 10, 2010
You’ll name your own price and schedule and you’ll pick from actual entries to your project, not bids and proposals. And if you need even more privacy , you’ll be able to post any writing project as a Pro project, which gives you full control over users, non disclosure agreements, and more. NAMING. Company names. Need help naming your new startup or small business? Product or service names. Domain names.
chrissundberg.com
SEPTEMBER 16, 2011
The Truth: A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) can be a useful document. Name *. About. Services. Contact. Startup Myths #1 – You Need an NDA. by Chris on January 5, 2011. This is a series of Startup Myths.
Allen's Blog
AUGUST 21, 2005
Would a written agreement on the "conditions for rights" between the members before the "whos in?" As the Disney case established, even in the absence of a non-disclosure agreement, idea theft is actionable. Do you (or anyone) have any advice for a departing co-founder who has invested some of his own personal money and who also has a good chunk of his common stock vested already (but just a handshake - no agreements signed yet)(more than a year has passed).
Allen's Blog
AUGUST 21, 2005
Would a written agreement on the "conditions for rights" between the members before the "whos in?" As the Disney case established, even in the absence of a non-disclosure agreement, idea theft is actionable. Do you (or anyone) have any advice for a departing co-founder who has invested some of his own personal money and who also has a good chunk of his common stock vested already (but just a handshake - no agreements signed yet)(more than a year has passed).
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