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Getting A Software Patent Is Valuable But Frustrating

Startup Professionals Musings

For a software startup, a patent can be the intellectual property providing the key competitive advantage, or it can be an expensive non-defensible bureaucratic nightmare -- or both. Some argue to simply eliminate software patents, while others put their hopes in U.S. Every business is global, but patent rules differ around the world.

Patents 53
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6 Ways To Extend Creativity To All Areas Of Business

Startup Professionals Musings

Most aspiring entrepreneurs believe their initial idea and inspiration requires the most important creative thinking. Experienced entrepreneurs will tell you that the initial idea is the easy part, and it’s the later implementation, and the competitive business marketing that are the real creative challenges.

Ideas 171
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Meet Martha Harper, The Social Entrepreneur Who Perfected The Franchise Business Model

InfoChachkie

In addition to creating a franchise chain which exceeded 500 locations at its peak, Martha Harper was also one of the world’s first social entrepreneurs, helping thousands of middle-class women create their own businesses and control their destinies. Social Entrepreneuring (Before It Was Cool). Creating Luck. Martha’s Legacy Lives On.

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How To Pick Your Focus For Your Next Business Venture

Startup Professionals Musings

As a startup advisor and investor, I’ve heard and seen hundreds of pitches from entrepreneurs, and the majority of founders are convinced that if you will just give them an hour or more time, you will love their business. Is there an educated marketplace waiting? That may sound easy, but I rarely see it happening.

Startup 96
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How Great Entrepreneurs Spell Continuous Innovation

Startup Professionals Musings

As a startup investor in this age of the entrepreneur, I see many more startups, but innovation is still hard to find. An entrepreneur looking for a sure thing will never innovate. Creating intellectual property, including patents, is the key to long-term value and a sustainable competitive advantage. No risk, no innovation.

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What Every Businessperson Should Know about Trademarks

SoCal Tech Calendar

Wednesday, August 15, 2012 -- "What Every Businessperson Should Know about Trademarks" The MIT Enterprise Forum of the Central Coast and the United States Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Educational Outreach Program. Most attorneys will enjoy the program, too.

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7 Concepts To Keep In Mind When Running Any Business

Startup Professionals Musings

When I started mentoring entrepreneurs and startups a few years ago, I anticipated that I would get mostly tough technical questions, but instead I more often hear things like “Where do I start?” Successful entrepreneurs know they have to fight not only to win market share, but to retain it as well. The marketplace is a war zone.