Intellectual Property and Financing Strategies for Technology Startups

Gerald B. Halt, Jr. is a Patent Attorney, shareholder and President at Volpe & Koenig, P.C. Jay focuses his practice on securing, licensing and enforcing the value of intellectual property rights. His practice includes litigation, inter partes matters, administrative proceedings, licensing of trademarks and technology, validity opinions and due diligence reviews. Jay also serves as President of the firm. While his experience with technology is varied, Jay's particular area of focus is on electrical, electronic and computer software technologies, including optical and wireless communication systems, computers, communication system protocols, microwave systems and components, optical barcode scanners, fiber optic systems and semiconductor devices.

Introduction.- Part I: Startup Funding Sources, Stages of the Life Cycle of a Business, and The Corresponding Intellectual Property Strategies for Each Stage.- Sources of Company Funding.- Early Stage Strategy.- Growth and Expansion Stage.- Mature, Exit and Rebirth Stage.- Achieving Success Stage.- Part II: Overview of Intellectual Property Rights for Startups.- Trademarks and Trade Dress.- Domain Names.- Patents.- Trade Secrets.- Copyrights.- Intellectual Property Issues in Labeling and Marketing.- Enforcement and Infringement of Intellectual Property Rights.- Part III: Implementation of IP Strategies for Startups.- Successful Implementation of a Startup's IP Strategy.- Developing and Managing an Intellectual Property Portfolio.- Valuing Startup Companies.- Licensing of Intellectual Property Rights for Startups.- Startup Tips for Avoiding and Preventing Intellectual Property Problems.- Appendices.