Intellectual Property – How do I protect my startup against internal know-how thieves and external imitators?
Unique selling points, competitive advantages, relevant customer benefits… these are precisely what distinguish many startups. But how long can I maintain, expand, and monetize my lead? Intellectual property protection and the associated labor law aspects are among the issues that are rarely considered at the outset and can often pose serious risks for startups.
Dr. Peter Koch (IP law) and Kathrin Brügger (employment law) from Pinsent Masons highlight risks in this area and provide helpful tips on the following aspects:
- How can I protect my business idea?
- What should be taken into account when starting a business?
- What do I need to consider when negotiating with investors? What challenges do customer-supplier relationships, development projects, and joint ventures pose?
- How do I retain know-how holders in the startup and how do I protect myself from know-how theft by employees?
- How do I defend myself against imitators (for example at a trade fair) or how do I protect myself against competitors?
