500 startups | ip 101 | traklight

Disclaimer: This presentation is intended to be general information. Nothing in the presentation constitutes legal advice. Please consult with an attorney before making any intellectual property protection decisions.

500 StartupsIP 101: Why Care about IP as a Startup???

@maryjuetten @traklight

Oct 21, 2014

Small Business World

Capturing innovation (and thus value) is hard.

Over 80% of a business’ value is in their IP.

Got intellectual property? Why care…

100% of all companies have IP.

IP theft costs US companies $250 billion

annually

700K new startups annually

vs. 20% protected IP

after 1st year

Exclude competition: Attract investment (including crowdfunding);

Leverage and license.

When do you need an IP strategy?

Avoid IP loss, infringement,

or business failure.

When do you need an IP strategy?

Patents (Utility & Design)

What is IP?

Copyright©

What is IP?

Trademarks

What is IP?

Image courtesy: Shelby Asistio

™ ℠ ®

Trade Secrets—unsung heroes

What is IP?

Image courtesy: Beverley Goodwin

IP Misconceptions

IP is just for tech startups or tech companies, and patents are the only IP for inventors.

IP Misconceptions

Trade secrets are the easiest to protect because there is no

registration.

IP Misconceptions

You can copy anything without a copyright ©

IP Misconceptions

You can copyright an idea.

IP Misconceptions

Domain = TM

IP Misconceptions

If I pay for it, I own it.

IP Misconceptions

Patents mean right to make or sell.

IP Misconceptions

Branding

Restaurant

Name

Image courtesy: MG Siegler

Software

Prototype

Homepage

Who: IP Ownership Challenges

• Multiple inventors• Who are you? Employee of

another company• Proper assignment of IP

rights — personal vs company

• Assume that ownership extends outside the US

When: Key Dates to

Remember• Date of Idea/Inventions (First to Invent → First INVENTOR to file)

• Date of Use• Date of Filing• Date of Conversion• Renewals

What: Business Plan/Funding Presentation

• Idea• URL• Name• Know how• Employees• Contractors

Strategies to Protect IP

Secrets:- Notary- IP Vault- Copyright software

Hire a Professional:- Attorney, Consultant, - LegalZoom, Rocketlawyer

Do It Yourself:- USPTO.gov- copyright.gov

Identify IPProtect IPPick a PlatformBuild Social CapitalCreate a Pitch

Fundraising Approach

Start on the right Trak

Do NOT start with creating a campaign, pitch, or business

plan.

THIS APPLIES TO ALL FINANCING!

Read, Read, Read

Check out CreativeCommons.org

Software Platform

Rewardli Deal

www.rewardli.com/offers/2408-traklight

25% off ID your IP®

Questions?

www.traklight.com

Take our Free Risk Quiz

Mary Juetten

mejuetten@traklight.com

@traklight

Slides available on slideshare.net/Traklight

@maryjuetten