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The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Of Software Patents

Startup Professionals Musings

I always advise software startups to file patents to protect their “secret sauce” from competitors, and to increase their valuation. Yes, the software patent process is a mess. Yes, the software patent process is a mess. I say this with conviction even after I survived the process, and have a software patent pending.

Patents 100
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Software Patents are Becoming a Tax on Innovation

Startup Professionals Musings

I always advise software startups to file patents to protect their “secret sauce” from competitors, and to increase their valuation. The bad news is that patent trolls can squeeze the lifeblood out of innocent and unsuspecting entrepreneurs, as exemplified by the current mess around Lodsys patent No.

Patents 91
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Software Patents Have Become a Startup Nightmare

Startup Professionals Musings

I always advise software startups to file patents to protect their “secret sauce” from competitors, and to increase their valuation. Yes, the software patent process is a mess. Yes, the software patent process is a mess. I say this with conviction even after I survived the process, and have a software patent pending.

Patents 93
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What is the Right Burn Rate at a Startup Company?

Both Sides of the Table

We want money to make some acquisitions (investors would prefer to fund M&A if they know specific deals – not to encourage bad behavior. In a world where the economy only heads in one direction (read: 2009-2014) most investors & entrepreneurs forget to pay attention to gross burn. We want a strong balance sheet (um, ok.

Startup 383
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Roping in the Legal Eagles

InfoChachkie

Yet, despite his exceptional courtroom theatrics, you would be foolhardy to hire good old Johnnie to review your software cross-licensing agreement. It is surprising how often entrepreneurs forget this simple fact. Your lawyer is a trusted advisor, but in the end, you run your business, your lawyer does not.

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Frank Addantes FounderBlog: Startup 5.0 – I’m just going to chill out for a bit… (OK, for a month…)

Frank Addante

StrongMail Systems (Digital Messsaging Infrastructure Software) Status: VC-backed (Sequoia Capital, Globespan and Evercore) Lesson: Trust your gut. Wireless & Voice Application Software) Exit: technology acquired Lesson: Timing is critical. Internet Advertising ASP) Exit: $112M IPO and acquisition Lesson: Think big.

Startup 40
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Frank Addantes FounderBlog: Startup 3.0: Internet advertising is good. No, it’s bad. Oh wait… it IS good!

Frank Addante

StrongMail Systems (Digital Messsaging Infrastructure Software) Status: VC-backed (Sequoia Capital, Globespan and Evercore) Lesson: Trust your gut. Wireless & Voice Application Software) Exit: technology acquired Lesson: Timing is critical. Internet Advertising ASP) Exit: $112M IPO and acquisition Lesson: Think big.