This document discusses the importance of intellectual property (IP) for startups and provides an overview of key IP concepts. It notes that over 80% of business value comes from IP and that IP theft costs US companies $250 billion annually. However, only 20% of startups protect their IP after the first year. The document outlines what constitutes IP, including patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets. It dispels common misconceptions about IP and provides advice on developing an early-stage IP strategy, including identifying ownership, important dates, and presenting IP as part of fundraising efforts.

1. 500 Startups
IP 101: Why Care about IP as a Startup???
@maryjuetten @traklight
Oct 21, 2014
Disclaimer: This presentation is intended to be general information. Nothing in the presentation constitutes legal advice. Please consult with an

2. Small Business World

3. Capturing innovation
(and thus value) is hard.

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

5. Got intellectual property?
Why care…
100% of all companies have IP.

6. IP theft costs US
companies $250 billion
annually

7. 700K new startups
annually
vs.
20% protected IP
after 1st year

8. When do you need
an IP strategy?
Exclude competition:
Attract investment (including crowdfunding);
Leverage and license.

9. When do you need
an IP strategy?
Avoid IP loss,
infringement,
or business failure.

10. What is IP?
Patents
(Utility & Design)

11. What is IP?
Copyright
©

12. What is IP?
Trademarks
Image courtesy: Shelby Asistio
™ ℠ ®

13. What is IP?
Trade Secrets—
unsung heroes
Image courtesy: Beverley Goodwin

14. IP Misconceptions

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

16. IP Misconceptions
Trade secrets are the easiest
to protect because there is no
registration.

17. IP Misconceptions
You can copy anything
without a copyright ©

18. IP Misconceptions
You can copyright an idea.

19. IP Misconceptions
Domain = TM

20. IP Misconceptions
If I pay for it, I own it.

21. IP Misconceptions
Patents mean right
to make or sell.

22. Branding

23. Restaurant

24. Name
Image courtesy: MG Siegler

25. Software

26. Prototype

27. Homepage

28. 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

29. 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

30. What: Business
Plan/Funding
Presentation
• Idea
• URL
• Name
• Know how
• Employees
• Contractors

31. Strategies to Protect IP
Hire a Professional:
- Attorney, Consultant,
- LegalZoom, Rocketlawyer
Do It Yourself:
- USPTO.gov
- copyright.gov
Secrets:
- Notary
- IP Vault
- Copyright software

32. Fundraising Approach
Identify IP
Protect IP
Pick a Platform
Build Social Capital
Create a Pitch

33. Start on the right Trak
Do NOT start with creating a
campaign, pitch, or business
plan.
THIS APPLIES TO ALL FINANCING!

34. Read, Read, Read
Check out CreativeCommons.org

35. Software Platform

36. Rewardli Deal
www.rewardli.com/
offers/2408-traklight
25% off ID your IP®

37. Questions?
www.traklight.com
Take our Free Risk Quiz
Mary Juetten
mejuetten@traklight.com
@traklight
@maryjuetten
Slides available on slideshare.net/Traklight