article thumbnail

Be Frugal, But Never Cheap When Locking Down Your IP

InfoChachkie

A version of this article previously appeared in The Wall Street Journal. An invalidated patent or one deemed to infringe the rights of another party can devastate a startup. Defensible Claims - Some companies take pride in the number of patents they own. Do not rely on the IP lawyer to coax such vital information from you.

IP 210
article thumbnail

7 Ways Your People Skills Are The Key To Your Success

Startup Professionals Musings

The critical success factors for a product business are well known, starting with selling every unit with a gross margin of 50 percent or more, building a patent and other intellectual property, and continuous product improvement. Capture your “secret sauce.” Start with a service you know and love.

Startup 111
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

7 Success Factors When Your People Are The Solution

Startup Professionals Musings

The critical success factors for a product business are well known, starting with selling every unit with a gross margin of 50 percent or more, building a patent and other intellectual property, and continuous product improvement. Capture your “secret sauce.” Start with a service you know and love.

Startup 174
article thumbnail

Intellectual Property – Worthless To A Startup, Priceless To A Big Dumb Company

InfoChachkie

free weekly Infochachkie articles! Patents held by startups generally have a limited ability to reduce competition. The average time required to obtain a patent is 36-to-40 months, during which there is no guarantee your adVenture will ultimately receive patent protection. Not All Patent Types Are Created Equal.

IP 256
article thumbnail

Here’s How You Get A VC To Pull Out Their Checkbook

InfoChachkie

If you haven't already subscribed yet, subscribe now for free weekly Infochachkie articles! Patents and Trademarks. Who do I write the check to and where do I send it? As such, the primary goal of your executive summary is to open the door to an in-person meeting. Distribution and Sales. Competition.

article thumbnail

Growing A Services Business Requires Selling Yourself

Startup Professionals Musings

The critical success factors for a product business are well known, starting with selling every unit with a gross margin of 50 percent or more, building a patent and other intellectual property, and continuous product improvement. Capture your “secret sauce.” Start with a service you know and love.

article thumbnail

Fixing Tech’s Gender Problem Starts With Company Culture

InfoChachkie

A version of this article previously appeared in Forbes. If you haven't already subscribed yet, subscribe now for free weekly JohnGreathouse.com articles! If you haven't already subscribed yet, subscribe now for free weekly JohnGreathouse.com articles! Like all important social movements, the change begins with you.

Company 100