10 Tips for Landing a Product Licensing Deal
When you’ve got a great idea for a product, there’s an important decision to make right up front: Do you want to build a brand new company from the ground up in order to commercialize...
Browsing Tag
intellectual property
25 posts
Blockchain Applications for Startups and Entrepreneurs
There are so many stock phrases thrown out by bitcoin fans that it’s hard to know where to begin. One of the more interesting ones is “It’s the blockchain that’s really valuable, you know.” And...
What Every Business Needs to Know About Intellectual Property Rights
Intellectual property (IP) – intangible creations such as inventions, ideas and processes – covers some of the most valuable aspects of a business, yet many treat it as an afterthought. While IP law can be...
Can a Trade Secret Protect Small Business Ideas?
What are the best ways to protect a business idea? You can protect intellectual property (IP) using one of four methods. The three most common protections are filing for a trademark, copyright or a patent....
Trademarking Your Startup: Claiming What Is Yours
Working in a startup comes with its own set of ups and downs, but owning the creative rights to your work should not be one of them. Whether you are in the early stages of...
What Do Software Startup Unicorns Like OneStream and StockX Have in Common?
OneStream and StockX are two of the most recent unicorns to emerge out of Detroit’s thriving startup ecosystem. OneStream provides B2B corporate performance management (CPM) software, while StockX offers resellers a marketplace to sell shoes,...
What Startup Founders Should Know About NFTs and Intellectual Property Protection
As a startup founder, you might be wondering how you can take advantage of the recent craze surrounding non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Perhaps NFTs can be used to protect your startup’s intellectual property without spending the...
5 Intellectual Property Considerations Startups Oftentimes Overlook
Many contestants on ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank” answer “yes” when asked if they have a patent, illustrating that startups may generally appreciate the importance of filing a patent application early to protect their innovations....
The Benefits of Patenting: When to Protect Your Inventions and Why
Patents are one of the ways to keep track of the immense advancement of our society. According to IFI Claims, 2019 saw a new record of patents granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office...
4 Common Patent Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Registering for a patent is a significantly more complex process than registering for other forms of intellectual property protection, like trademarks and copyrights. Trademarks generally require a name search, application and filing fee. Copyright applications...
Practical Ways for Entrepreneurs to Protect Their Intellectual Property in Coworking Spaces
As coworking spaces grow in popularity, entrepreneurs may be placing their intellectual property in jeopardy. While many coworking spaces emphasize the synergy that stems from the free flow of ideas among tenants (both symbolized and...
Developing a New Product? Get an Outsider’s Opinion First
Startups and entrepreneurs creating innovative technologies are understandably protective of their processes and soon-to-be-released products. Giving away their competitive advantage would have devastating effects on their business. This secretive nature can result in a very...
To Patent or Not to Patent: A Guide to Protecting Your Products
Every company that is inventing new products faces one all-important question: should you patent your idea? Unauthorized use of your business’s intellectual property can seriously undercut your profits, which is why many entrepreneurs believe they...
Intellectual Property Considerations for Your Startup
Starting your own business is a new and exciting challenge that can be rewarding, but overwhelming. From the beginning, it’s important to consider the intellectual property associated with your business and ensure its protection and...
Securing Your Startup’s Intellectual Property Rights: Patent vs. Trade Secret
Entrepreneurs and emerging companies often look for ways to protect their valuable assets. They want to secure their ideas and ultimately enforce their rights around them. Traditionally, there are four types of intellectual property rights:...
7 Common Non-Disclosure Contract Mistakes Startups Make
Of the many contracts that startups draft and execute, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are among the most common. Protecting intellectual property is a key concern, and thus, startups want to legally prevent employees, vendors and investors...
Identifying and Protecting Trade Secrets for Young Companies
The “secret sauce” that makes a startup unique and profitable can be among its most important competitive advantages through each stage of its existence. Understanding what your business’ trade secrets are and how to protect...
Business Registration 101 for Franchises, Startups and Amazon Sellers
So, you’ve got your small business idea — whether that takes on the form of a startup, franchise or Amazon seller — with a business plan drafted up. You’re ready to begin with the registration...
How to Prep Your Side Hustle to Become a Full-Time Business
For many entrepreneurs, there comes that inevitable moment where balancing a full-time job with a growing side hustle just can’t be done anymore. It is time to take the next step and transition out of...
Cybersquatting: How to Protect Your Startup’s Domain Name
What is cybersquatting? What happens when the domain you want is taken? When we say taken, we don't mean that someone else secured the domain to launch their website, app or e-commerce business and are...