Basics and development of an IP strategy for start-ups

This chapter shows how patents, utility models, designs and trademarks are correctly applied in practice. It initially deals with the fundamental strategic issues, and subsequently discusses protection options and possible business models for an example company. In the start-up phase, the leverage of intellectual property rights the future company must be determined first and the initial stock of intellectual property must be recorded. This includes ideas of the founders, but also purchased or in-licensed intellectual property rights. It is important that as many rights as possible are held by the start-up itself. Consistent confidentiality of know-how (especially of aspects that are not visible to a product to be marketed later) is also an option. In addition, freedom-to-operate analyses should be carried out so that later products can be marketed with the greatest possible certainty, free from third-party rights.