Introduction
Throughout this course, we have talked about how important it is to consider your IP strategy from the very start and to continuously revise it in light of your overall business goals as they evolve. In modules 5 and 6, we looked at examples of some approaches to IP licensing and to international IP enforcement adopted by larger companies. In this module, we will talk more specifically about IP strategy and IP enforcement issues in the context of the start-up and entrepreneur, especially in cases involving the use of crowdfunding as a business financing mechanism. We will do this by exploring in more detail the case of Andrew Gardner and his POLAR Pen, as well as by offering examples of other start-ups that have looked to crowdfunding to launch their businesses.
Lessons
- The importance of developing an IP strategy at the start-up stage
- IP issues in crowdfunding campaigns
- Final wrap-up: What does your IP strategy look like?
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
- Recognize the importance of developing an IP strategy in the context of a start-up.
- Identify and anticipate the various IP issues that are encountered during a crowdfunding campaign.
- Identify possible IP enforcement strategies to counteract the activities of counterfeiters.
- Recognize the importance of due diligence in relation to your use of third-party IP.
- Critically assess how well prepared your IP strategy is in light of all of the considerations identified throughout this course.