Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 27, 2014

I always advise software startups to file patents to protect their “secret sauce” from competitors, and to increase their valuation. This patent holding company has charged infringement and demanded royalties from every app developer for the iPhone and Android, for a feature most agree has been in apps for many years.

Patents 100

Patents Software Review Software Technical Advisors 100

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 13, 2012

I always advise software startups to file patents to protect their “secret sauce” from competitors, and to increase their valuation. This patent holding company has charged infringement and demanded royalties from every app developer for the iPhone and Android, for a feature most agree has been in apps for many years.

Patents 93

Patents Software Technical Advisors Startup 93

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 7, 2011

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

Patents Software Technical Advisors Innocal 91

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 29, 2010

I always advise software startups to file patents to protect their “secret sauce” from competitors, and to increase their valuation. Yet the software patent process is a mess. Yet the software patent process is a mess. Patents granted that don’t meet the criteria.

Patents 50

Patents Software Technical Advisors IBM 50

InfoChachkie

JUNE 25, 2009

Yet, despite his exceptional courtroom theatrics, you would be foolhardy to hire good old Johnnie to review your software cross-licensing agreement. Your lawyer is a trusted advisor, but in the end, you run your business, your lawyer does not. However, you should seek a patent attorney when it is time to craft your patent application.

Technical Advisors 124

Technical Advisors Technical Review IP Patents 124

Frank Addante

JUNE 4, 2006

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

Startup Venture Capital Email CTO Hire 40

Frank Addante

MAY 15, 2006

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. Bootstrap 2.

Advertising 40

Advertising Startup Chief Technology Officer Technical Review 40