Author Archives: mwillee

Many people who start a small business do so because they feel they have a truly unique idea. Many individuals just starting their small business may not have enough money to utilize the patent process. In some cases, it makes sense for a small business to try and sell their product without a patent. ThereContinue reading “How to Protect an Idea without a Patent”

  SoundCloud is an online audio distribution platform founded in 2007 by two Swedish artists, and has since gained over 250 million users. This German company initially started as a means for new artists to share their music, receive feedback, and communicate with their fans, but is expanding to include popular mainstream artists as well.Continue reading “Copyrights in Technology: SoundCloud Equity Deal to License Music”

Previously in our Intellectual Property (IP) Best Practices series, we introduced step four to managing your IP: code of conduct. Please check back every Monday for the next step in this series. Some information is best kept limited to certain key employees. The more employees that have access to intellectual property (IP), the higher theContinue reading “IP Best Practices: Limit Access to Sensitive Information, Step 5”

Trademark protection is region specific. No matter how well-known a product is in a particular market, when it expands into new domain, there is no guarantee you will be able to use the same name. The hit TV show Glee was recently ordered by a UK court to change its name after Comic Enterprises, ownerContinue reading “Glee Not Happy about Losing Trademark Dispute in Britain”

Previously in our Intellectual Property (IP) Best Practices series, we introduced step seven to maximizing your IP: discovering employee created IP. Please check back every Monday for the next part in this series. Conducting regular intellectual property audits is integral to a successful IP strategy. A company is comparable to a living organism: if taken care ofContinue reading “IP Best Practices: Regular Intellectual Property Audits, Step 8”

Previously in our Traklight Trakers series, we introduced to you Maddie Gildenberg. Today’s feature is Chris. At his first monthly Traker meeting, Chris proved his Traker committment when he recited our cultural values off-the-cuff. Kudos! Emily: What did you learn about IP before you started at Traklight?Chris: This I can honestly answer very simply… NO. It wasContinue reading “Meet Chris, Traklight’s Developer”

Do you have an idea that’s been sitting around your company with easy accessibility. Do you know how to protect your idea from being stolen? Taking action to create your intellectual property (IP) strategy and protect your ideas from being stolen is an important aspect of running a successful business. You’re playing risk if youContinue reading “3 Ways to Protect Your Idea from Being Stolen”

Last week’s Traklight on Forbes series highlighted four fantastic tips on a startup’s most valuable assets in Mary’s blog titled “Advisory Board Members Talk IP And Investing In Early-Stage Companies“. Check back every week for more content. Thanks for reading! Mary Juetten recently attended the second annual SXSW V2V conference, where she participated on a panel thatContinue reading “Forbes Update: Alternative Startup Funding From SXSW V2V”

As a trademark owner, you may wonder whether it is possible for you to register trademarks without an attorney. You will be happy to hear that the answer is yes, although, as with all things legal, it is important to understand some of the basics in order to avoid more costly legal assistance down theContinue reading “Do You Want to Register Trademarks without an Attorney?”

This is a guest blog by Ian Monat, Owner of Monat Technologies. When the catalytic converter was stolen off his truck he made it his mission to “protect vehicles across the US and UK from catalytic converter theft with the best security solutions on the market”: The Catlock. One of my favorite 80’s comedies isContinue reading “Unzipping the Trade Dress”