Intellectual Property & Technology Strategy
Turn your IP into a real business asset that adds value when it counts.
What Is Strategic IP Counsel?
Your IP strategy should do more than protect your code. It should strengthen your business. Strategic IP counsel helps you identify which intellectual property assets matter most, determine the right protection mechanisms, and position your portfolio to add real value in fundraising, partnerships, and exits.
We focus on practical IP strategies that align with your business goals. Not every innovation needs a patent, and not every trade secret needs documentation. We help you make smart decisions about where to invest in protection and where other approaches make more sense.
Our IP Strategy Services
Portfolio Development
Build an IP portfolio aligned with your business strategy.
- IP audit and asset identification
- Patent vs. trade secret strategy guidance
- Coordination with patent counsel on filing strategy
Technology Licensing
Structure licensing deals that generate value while protecting your core IP.
- Inbound and outbound licensing
- Royalty and fee structures
- Open source compliance
Trade Secret Protection
Implement programs that actually protect your proprietary information.
- Trade secret identification and classification
- Access controls and confidentiality measures
- Employee and contractor NDAs
IP Due Diligence
Prepare your IP for fundraising and M&A scrutiny.
- IP ownership chain verification
- Assignment agreement remediation
- Freedom-to-operate analysis coordination
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IP strategy for tech companies?
IP strategy for tech companies involves identifying, protecting, and leveraging intellectual property assets to create business value. This includes determining what to patent versus protect as trade secrets, structuring licensing agreements, ensuring proper IP ownership through employment and contractor agreements, and positioning IP portfolios for due diligence in fundraising and M&A.
How do startups protect intellectual property?
Startups protect IP through a combination of patents (for novel inventions), trademarks (for brand elements), copyrights (for code and content), and trade secrets (for proprietary processes and data). Critical first steps include proper IP assignment agreements with all founders, employees, and contractors, plus implementing confidentiality measures for trade secret protection.
What IP issues come up in startup due diligence?
Common IP issues in startup due diligence include: missing or incomplete IP assignment agreements from founders or early employees, unclear ownership of pre-formation IP, inadequate contractor IP assignments, failure to properly maintain trade secrets, open source license compliance issues, and lack of freedom-to-operate analysis for key technologies.
When should a startup file for patents?
Startups should consider patent filings before any public disclosure of novel technology, ideally filing provisional applications to establish priority dates before investor pitches, product launches, or conference presentations. The decision to patent should weigh costs against strategic value, considering whether competitors could independently develop the technology and whether the patent would be enforceable.
IP Strategy Across Industries
Each industry has unique IP considerations. We tailor strategies to your technology and competitive landscape.
Ready to Build a Strategic IP Portfolio?
Let's discuss how to protect and leverage your intellectual property.
Schedule Your Strategy Session