Investment Readiness from IP perspective checklist
by Maria Boicova-Wynants
1. Have you identified all your intellectual assets (name, logo, know-how, client lists, inventions, website, creative content, and other)? (Yes/No)
2. Do you understand the differences between different IP rights and their possible protection mechanisms? (Yes/No)
3. Have you defined the geographical scope that is relevant for your business now and in a one-to-five year perspective? (Yes/No)
4. Have you applied for the necessary certificates (TM- or design registration, patent submission, iDepot registration) to ensure the proper protection of your IP rights? (Yes/No)
5. Have you included proper IP provisions (definition, assignment) in all your contracts? (Yes/No)
6. Is the legal owner of all your intellectual assets your startup? Are all IP rights duly assigned? (Yes/No)
7. Do you have a solid model NDA tailored to your needs? (Yes/No)
8. Are internal IP policies (such as policy with respect to the use of confidential information, company files and trade secrets by the employees) of your startup defined, known by everybody in the startup, and rigorously applied? (Yes/No)
9. Does your IP strategy have a thought-through sequencing and is it aligned and integrated with your business plan? (Yes/No)
10. Have you validated your IP strategy with a qualified IP professional? (Yes/No)