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 the probability that such information may be disclosed. This not only reduces the likelihood of leaks but also factors in favor of protecting IP for purposes of trade secrets. We understand that some confidential information has to be shared in order for the business to run, especially in the context of startups where most team members wear multiple hats. But as much discretion can be employed, should. For example, it is unnecessary to discuss the specifics of the venture capital funding your business is receiving to a contractor hired to build your website.

Continue reading “IP Best Practices: Limit Access to Sensitive Information, Step 5”

Previously in our Traklight Trakers series, we introduced to you Ashley Hoesktra. Today’s feature is Maddie.

Emily: What did you learn about IP before you started at Traklight?
Maddie: I’ve never learned much past some experiences here and there where copyright infringement suits affect what I’m able and unable to view online, and how some companies are ruined because of them.

Continue reading “Meet Maddie, Traklight’s Marketing Specialist”

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, owner of a group of comedy clubs called “Glee Club” filed a motion.

Continue reading “Glee Not Happy about Losing Trademark Dispute in Britain”

Last week’s Traklight on Forbes series highlighted four fantastic tips on a startup’s most valuable assets in her blog titled “Summer Refresher: ABCs Of Intellectual Property.” 

Check back every week for more content. Thanks for reading!

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In response to the recent New York Times article, “Why More Start-Ups Are Sharing Ideas Without Legal Protection,” Mary notes that while it may not be worth your time to convince investors to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), it is very important to get NDA’s when working with three other groups of people.

If you are a startup or small business in the fundraising stages, be sure to check out this post for some great tips. Whether or not you’re at this stage in your business, Mary does offer one important piece of advice:

“Please remember that enforcing a NDA, like any type of litigation, is a huge distraction for a startup or small business. The pros and cons of both sides must be weighed to make the right decision that’s best for your company.”

Continue reading “Forbes Update: Should Startups Really Skip Legal Protection?”

For those not keeping up with the technological trends of America’s youths, Snapchat is a mobile app that allows you to send photos and videos to contacts that are supposed to delete themselves after a few seconds. It gives young people a fun, fast, and free means to communicate with one another that won’t regrettably wind up in the ether of the internet (although that claim has been brought into question). But if recent trademark filings are any indication, the company might be looking to monetize their app in the future.

Continue reading “Snapchat Files Trademarks as Part of IP Protection Strategy”

Previously on our Taking the Scary Out of Startup series, we discussed how your team is key to the success of your business.

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Relationships Matter

“How do you know this person?” is a question that I am often asked. Sometimes, it takes about twelve degrees of separation to trace back to the original connection. More often than not, this triggers a great memory of how I met the people along the way and the wonderful business relationships that have been fostered.

We can trace every great thing that has happened to Traklight back to a connection or relationship where we did not lead with an ask. And the best examples are where we were helping people with zero expectation of anything in return.

Continue reading “Taking the Scary Out of Startup: Why Startups Succeed, Part 13”

Intellectual property theft continues to be an expensive business problem around the world, costing businesses billions of dollars. While you might have some of it protected already, what happens when one of your employees decides to move on to another company and clandestinely takes some of your intellectual property (IP) with them? It is a problem we are continually starting to see in various high-profile litigation cases that claim someone who once worked for one company stole IP and had it developed at a rival company.

Continue reading “Protect Against Ex-Employee Intellectual Property Theft”

Previously in our Intellectual Property (IP) Best Practices series, we introduced step five to managing your IP: limiting access to sensitive information. Please check back every Monday for the next step in this series.

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For all those who have absolute faith in humanity, being cautious is not the same as being cynical. Swearing on one’s honor and spit handshaking is all well and good but backing it up with signed documentation is even better. Always make sure you have your employees and clients sign iron clad contractual agreements protecting the interests of the company, especially your intellectual property (IP). I cannot stress this enough. This provides clear and irrefutable proof in case someone infringes your IP (here’s a great example of why intellectual property agreements are so important).

Continue reading “IP Best Practices: Well-Drafted Agreements, Step 6”

Every month, Shay discusses some of the technical changes to our site in his Traklight Tech Talks blog. Last month he discussed the newest IP Vault enhancements. Today’s update is part 2 on recent IP Vault enhancements. Be sure to stay updated with these updates by subscribing to our blog.

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I can’t believe it’s already been a month. Expanding on the last IP Vault enhancement update here are some upcoming changes in our next version soon to be released:

Continue reading “Traklight Tech Talks: IP Vault Enhancements, Part 2”

Dr. Dre is the second richest rapper alive after the lucrative acquisition of Beats Electronics by Apple. Apple bought the company back in May, its first acquisition, for a whopping $3 billion. Beats entered the market in 2005 gaining popularity after being plugged into music videos by top hip hop artists. It is known for its superior bass audio.

Continue reading “Bose v. Beats: Noise Cancellation Giants in Patent Infringement Suit”