{"id":170,"date":"2017-07-03T06:16:44","date_gmt":"2017-07-03T06:16:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/epiksolution.org\/startup-company\/blog\/?p=170"},"modified":"2019-08-13T05:40:17","modified_gmt":"2019-08-13T05:40:17","slug":"important-steps-for-intellectual-property-when-creating-your-california-startup-company","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.startupcompanycounsel.com\/blog\/important-steps-for-intellectual-property-when-creating-your-california-startup-company\/","title":{"rendered":"Important Steps for Intellectual Property when Creating your California Startup Company"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intellectual property<\/a> is one of the most important and valuable intangible assets to a startup company.\u00a0 The idea, knowhow, and processes differentiate a company from competitors.\u00a0 Many startup founders have heard of intellectual property<\/a>, but few truly understand how effectively protecting intellectual property can help their startup<\/a>. There are three ways to protect intellectual property: patents<\/a>, trademarks, and copyrights.\u00a0 Understanding these different types of intellectual property protections and how each applies is pertinent when taking steps to protect a startup company\u2019s intellectual property.\u00a0 As equally important as getting protection for assets, is getting the correct form of protection.\u00a0 The experienced California startup attorneys at Startup Company Counsel have valuable information that will help protect a company\u2019s intellectual property<\/a> in the proper form.\u00a0 There are many steps to take when protecting intellectual property and the following are some examples:<\/p>\n

Confidentiality Agreements <\/strong><\/p>\n

California courts often enforce confidentiality agreements and intellectual property assignment provisions.\u00a0 The more specific the confidentiality agreements are drafted, the higher likelihood that a California court will enforce the provision. \u00a0As a result, startup companies should ensure that they describe with specificity the categories of information<\/a> they would like to protect.\u00a0 The confidentiality agreements should accordingly be drafted to include those categories.\u00a0 Having an experienced California startup attorney to draft these agreements increases the strength of the contract and increases the chances of it being upheld in court.<\/p>\n

Trade Secrets<\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition, confidentiality agreements should also contain any trade secret information, such as source code, CAD designs, research and development tests, business plans, customers, vendors, and supplier information and other commercially sensitive information which gives the startup a competitive advantage.\u00a0 California follows the Uniform Trade Secrets Act and it protects against the theft, use, or disclosure of information, whether in electronic or paper format.\u00a0 Under California\u2019s definition of \u201ctrade secret<\/a>,\u201d it does not matter that some trade secrets may be available in the public medium.\u00a0 Startups should ensure that their confidentiality agreement references California\u2019s Uniform Trade Secrets Act, as it is key to protecting trade secrets.<\/p>\n

Following California Law<\/strong><\/p>\n

Finally, it is important that California\u2019s Labor Code Provisions are followed to ensure clear title to the startup\u2019s intellectual property.\u00a0 Otherwise, litigation could ensue over the ownership of the startup\u2019s technology and other inventions.\u00a0 Consequently, it is crucial to consult with an experienced California startup attorney to understand the obligations under the California Labor Code.<\/p>\n

Contact a California Startup Attorney Today<\/strong><\/p>\n

When an entrepreneur decides to create a startup company, many steps must be taken. While in the early stages of the startup, the founder is generally focused on research and development, funding, and sales.\u00a0 Additionally, the founder cannot afford to forget or neglect protecting the startup\u2019s intellectual property.\u00a0 Our California startup company lawyers at Startup Company Counsel can help your startup understand what intangible assets should be protected and how valuable they can be to the startup. \u00a0Our experienced intellectual property attorneys can help evaluate which protections are best for the startup and assist in defending its intellectual property rights.\u00a0 Call 408-441-7555 or email us<\/a> to discuss your startup and how to protect its intellectual property.
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