Intellectual Property Attorney Lists Common IP Mistakes

If you're building a start-up company you are rightfully excited about your venture. Don't make the mistake of putting off intellectual property concerns until later. Without paying attention to your company's intellectual property, you could inadvertently cause growth of your business to slow or stop. An intellectual property lawyer like those at Zarco Einhorn Salkowski & Brito, P.A. can be an invaluable ally in protecting your hard work.

Originating an Idea Is Not the Same as Owning It

If you are considering starting your own business and are currently employed, do not use employer resources like computers, fax machines, or photocopiers, in the development of any ideas that could become protected intellectual property. Doing so could give your employer reason to assert rights to that intellectual property. Even an unrelated new venture could prompt action from a former employer and their business litigation attorney.

Securing Rights from Contractors Is Critical

Use of contractors and outsourcing is the norm today, and it is essential that you proceed with contractors only after having an agreement addressing intellectual property rights. Without this type of agreement, technology developed by your contractor could result in a dispute over intellectual property ownership and a call from a business litigation attorney. Having an intellectual property attorney create an IP agreement for contractors is a very wise move.

Premature Disclosure Can Jeopardize IP Rights

It is only natural that you are eager to announce your ideas. But without careful planning, a public announcement could hinder your ability to secure some intellectual property rights. As just one example, disclosure of confidential information could jeopardize trade secret rights, and public disclosure of an invention could result in loss of patent rights outside the United States.

Not Staying on Top of IP Issues Can Cause Big Problems

While inventing and creating are exciting, intellectual property law often is not. But it is critical to the success of your business that you invest in counsel on intellectual property rights with an IP law firm like Zarco Einhorn Salkowski & Brito, P.A. Ignoring mounting IP issues can cause problems with loss of rights and missed opportunities.