Today, Intellectual property can be the most valuable asset of a technology startup company. So, protecting IP is essential to obtaining venture capital funding warding off unfair competing.

Tim Harris, Partner at Bird & Bird, shared with Inside Counsel the five most critical IP strategies that a startup should implement. A startup usually lacks significant assets other than its IP, according to Harris, but aspects such as a startup's founder, culture and timing may be important in determining its success or failure. IP like the idea and brand upon which the company is built is certainly a factor that can make all the difference.

“A startup that proactively identifies, protects and manages its IP is likely to be in a much stronger position to attract investment capital than one that takes short-cuts,” he explained. If appropriate protection for IP is not sought and obtained, it is all too easy for a competitor to walk off with a startup's crown jewels.”