As a high-tech start up you know that IP is the foundation around which your company is built. That said, most founders are often remiss when it comes to protecting or understanding how to protect this most precious of assets. Founders often endanger their IP without knowing it because they are not aware of their obligations only to realize their mistake once it’s too late.

I recently attended a presentation where these and other IP issues were discussed from the point of view of someone who gets involved when the blood is in the water – a litigator.  Vickie Henry, a partner at our firm has over 15 years of experience working on IP disputes and served up a sobering reminder of what can happen when founders don’t understand their IP rights and the obligations needed to keep those rights in place. 

 Vickie’s presentation included a chart that lays out the differences between Trade Secrets and Patents at a glance and is a great starting point for founders to understand what path to choose in protecting their IP.  Click on the image below to see the full chart and remember it makes sense to talk to you Start-Up/IP lawyer well in advance so that you know your IP strategy is viable.

 *Note I say it’s your start-up’s IP and not the founders/technical team’s IP. Always make sure to assign the IP to the corporate entity!