[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_image=”152169″ bg_position=”center center” background_image_loading=”default” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” class=”heroimage_article” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” parallax_bg=”true” parallax_bg_speed=”medium” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”bottom” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”hero-content-box-article”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#000000″ background_color_opacity=”0.7″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” font_color=”#ffffff” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#ae1022″ scene_position=”center” top_padding=”3%” bottom_padding=”3%” top_padding_phone=”8%” bottom_padding_phone=”8%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-6-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” font_color=”#ffffff” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]Imagine you come up with biotech innovation that could change the world.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You come up with the idea, design a prototype and turn it into a Minimum Viable Product. The business takes off and thousands of customers and hundreds of investors are flocking to you and your product.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Then imagine someone else saying it was their idea. Maybe a contractor, employee or even a competitor. And they attempt to steal your ideas and your business. They very well could succeed if you don\u2019t have the right protection set up for your intellectual property (IP).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In this article, you\u2019ll learn what IP is, when you should and shouldn\u2019t secure it, and four ways to protect your startup\u2019s IP.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Extra-Color-2″ solid_text_color_override=”#ae1022″ icon_family=”none” text=”Talk to us” url=”#talk-to-us”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-6-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”small_depth” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1682265319259{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]\n [\/vc_column_text] <\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” top_padding_phone=”10%” bottom_padding_phone=”10%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” id=”what-is-IP” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_blank” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”default”][vc_column_text]\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]IP is short for intellectual property. IP for startups includes the use of trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Startups typically seek protection for different assets like inventions, business names, software and logos.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Depending on the type of IP you\u2019re looking to protect, different methods apply. For instance:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Protecting your IP is easier in the <\/span>early startup stages<\/span><\/a> when you\u2019re still laying the groundwork. Once your business takes off and is seeing great levels of success, it\u2019s a lot harder to protect it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n IP protection essentially sets up a shield against your competition.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Think about your business as a castle. Your invention, software or brand is a treasure chest hidden within the castle walls. Without sufficient protection, an enemy army could invade at any time to steal your gold.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n IP protection is like building a wall around your castle. It\u2019s a defense strategy you can use to protect your IP and your business. Having one in place can also attract investors, partners, suppliers and customers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Your IP such as inventions, ideas, software or branding are assets that make your startup more valuable. You should also think of the protection you add to your IP as an asset since it enhances your commercial value.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” top_padding_phone=”10%” bottom_padding_phone=”10%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” id=”happen without IP” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_blank” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”default”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]If you don\u2019t have an IP protection plan in place, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to infringement claims. We\u2019ve mentioned that someone can come after your business by claiming an idea was theirs if you don\u2019t have IP protection.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There are more risks to not implementing an IP strategy. Here are three ways you could face a potential lawsuit without a proper IP strategy:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding_phone=”13%” bottom_padding_phone=”10%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”3%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1733132624912{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}” text_direction=”default”]\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]Imagine you <\/span>came up with<\/span> a brilliant idea, created a prototype and even have customers already. If you accidentally <\/span>infringed on <\/span>someone else\u2019s patent because you <\/span>didn\u2019t<\/span> conduct proper IP research, <\/span>they <\/span>could take legal action against you.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1733132632515{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}” text_direction=”default”]\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]Another scenario is selling something someone else invented. If someone else created something close enough to your product before you did, you could be at risk of major lawsuits.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1733132640201{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}” text_direction=”default”]\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]You could have been the first to <\/span>come up with<\/span> the idea and even invent the product. But, if someone patented your idea before you, you could be the one facing lawsuits.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” top_padding_phone=”10%” bottom_padding_phone=”10%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” id=”happen without IP” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_blank” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”default”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]Failing to set up and follow a proper IP strategy can have dire consequences for your business. And no investor will want to touch a startup without IP protection for its invention. The business you want to build would never take off.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But IP that is truly and legally yours can be a significant source of revenue and new opportunities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_image=”152163″ bg_position=”center center” background_image_loading=”default” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”10%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”10%” bottom_padding_phone=”8%” top_margin=”5%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” id=”4-ways-protecting-IP” color_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” parallax_bg=”true” 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row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” font_color=”#ffffff” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1732709402930{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}” text_direction=”default”]\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” bottom_padding=”3%” top_padding_phone=”10%” bottom_padding_phone=”10%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_blank” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]When building a startup, countless tasks demand your attention. Your <\/span>IP strategy<\/span><\/a> might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But it\u2019s crucial to protect your business.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are four elements you should check when building your IP strategy:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][image_with_animation image_url=”152829″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n [\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]A brand includes everything that distinguishes your company’s identity from others. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For most companies, these are (at least at the beginning) the company name and logo.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Since you\u2019ve likely put in plenty of time and effort into developing your name and your branding, it\u2019s important to make sure it\u2019s yours.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To set up a trademark, you should start by conducting an online search to make sure someone else isn’t already using your name or your logo. If a name or logo is close to yours but you\u2019re unsure of what to do, it\u2019s best to talk with a lawyer who can confirm your company name and logo are available.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you have a Swiss business, you can search for available Swiss trademarks at the <\/span>Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property<\/span><\/a> (IGE IPI).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The IGE IPI has a service that allows you to check for trademarks in various national and international databases.<\/p>\n While you should start by looking for company name trademarks, you will also want to conduct an online search related to your company. Don\u2019t forget to look up your desired company name too: in Switzerland, you can use <\/span>Central Business Name Index<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your desired company name is available in your country, your next step is to trademark your business name. Keep in mind, registering your name isn\u2019t a legal requirement but it will provide you with protection from potential legal action.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It can also help defend your brand if you find someone else using your name in their business since you can claim rights to the trademark.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In Switzerland, <\/span>the cost to file a trademark<\/span><\/a> is CHF 550 which includes three classes of goods and services for 10 years. After a decade, you\u2019ll have to renew your trademark protection for another 10 years for CHF 700.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n [\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]Copyright covers any original work of creation or authorship that includes some level of individual expression. It\u2019s the most popular in the music industry. It can also be used in the form of print, lyrics, dance, photography and painting.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In terms of startup companies, copyright can also protect software as it falls under the classification \u201cliterary works.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Wondering what type of IP protection you need to protect your software startup?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A copyright will protect the written code of your software while a patent will protect the concept.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The best part about copyright protection is that you don\u2019t technically have to register to protect yourself. Unlike in other countries, <\/span>copyright in Switzerland<\/span><\/a> is automatically established once something is created.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n [\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]A patent is a type of IP that gives the owner of the patent the power to prevent others from creating, using or selling an invention for a fixed length of time. A patent protects new technical solutions, products or processes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Filing a patent is the longest and most challenging process of IP protection. To start, you must submit detailed examinations of drawings, descriptions or photography of the patent idea. You also need to conduct a deep investigation into the originality of the idea to test how unique it truly is.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The wait time for patents can be long. At the <\/span>IGE IPI<\/span><\/a>, where you can file for a patent in Switzerland, it typically takes about eighteen months to approve a patent.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The patent application process is typically broken down into four steps:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The costs for filing a patent can vary widely.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Calculate extra budget for a lawyer because you\u2019ll want an expert by your side to set up an IP strategy and to navigate the patent application process.<\/span><\/p>\n If you participate in one of our Basel Area programs for startup founders, we will connect you with an IP lawyer.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For innovation in biotech, see <\/span>BaseLaunch<\/span><\/a>, for innovation in digital health it\u2019s <\/span>DayOne<\/span><\/a>. If you are looking for entrepreneurial coaching and domain expert advice (e.g. on IP) in any high-tech field, try <\/span>Venture Mentoring<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n [\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]A trade secret is any information you have within your startup that could give a competitor an advantage. For instance, if someone were to leak specific product or marketing plans to your competition, they could implement your innovation and take market share from your business.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While trade secrets cover a wide range of possibilities, the simple way to combat them leaking is through confidentiality agreements or nondisclosure agreements (NDAs). While you don\u2019t technically need to register your trade secrets for legal protection, an NDA can add even more protection in the event of a legal dispute.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You should use NDAs with a variety of stakeholders including partners, employees, contractors, job candidates, service providers and visitors. Essentially, anyone who can peer into your business should be given an NDA to sign.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But what about NDAs for investors?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In general, everyone \u2013 including investors \u2013 should sign an NDA before you disclose your ideas with them. While NDAs don\u2019t provide foolproof protection, they serve as a tool to establish confidentiality and demonstrate that certain information should remain confidential. Still, even with an NDA in place, it\u2019s best to disclose sensitive details only on a need-to-know basis.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” bottom_padding=”4%” top_padding_phone=”10%” bottom_padding_phone=”10%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” id=”no-secure-IP” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_blank” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]\n [\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]Is there a scenario that doesn\u2019t require IP protection?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you want to secure your IP with patents, you should consider your product life cycle, ability to prove infringement, and the potential outcome of legal actions as well as affordability.\u00a0 <\/span>After all, obtaining a patent may require considerable time and money.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nYou’ll find on this page:<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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What is IP?<\/h2>\n
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What can happen without IP protection<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
You accidentally <\/span>came up with<\/span> someone else\u2019s idea:<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n
You\u2019re<\/span> selling someone else\u2019s invention:<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n
You invented something first, but someone protected it first:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n
Four<\/span> important ways to protect your startup\u2019s IP<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Trademark<\/h3>\n
2. Copyright<\/h3>\n
3. Patent<\/h3>\n
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4. Trade secret<\/h3>\n
When not to secure IP.<\/h2>\n