(157b) Think like a Startup - Idea Protection

In today's economy, companies across industries are looking to capture the energy and zeal associated with the entrpreneurial spirit. Whether it's a newly formed company or a mature business, thinking like a startup can inject new life into an organization. But, with that newfound energy can sometimes come a lack of focus on certain details. This presentation will focus on how companies, young and old, can consider the creation and protection of intellectual property assets during the early period of starting a new business, pursuing new research, or developing a new business line. While companies often focus intently on their business plan, they may lose focus on the foundational aspects of that plan, i.e., the underlying intellectual property. Even if a company considers intellectual property protection, it may focus in on one type of intellectual property without considering how the different aspects of IP can be used together to develop a comprehensive plan. This presentation will introduce various aspects of Idea Protection and discuss how to develop an upfront plan of action to protect those assets.