There are cost-effective methods to protect your company’s IP in China—if you take them early. 1. Register your IP Except for copyright (which is automatically protected in China via the Berne Convention), U.S. IP registration does not provide you with any protection in China. Without registration in…
Many of the benefits of raising a Series A round are obvious—improved team morale, validation from outside investors and, of course, cash. Another benefit may be less obvious—raising a Series A round can open up new sources of capital, including venture debt. “Venture debt” is a type…
New founders often approach service providers generally, and lawyers in particular, with a degree of caution. They’re typically aware that they need advice, but they’re concerned that obtaining such advice will come at a cost, which most startups would prefer to avoid given the need to focus…
Patents are important to startups because they provide a legally sanctioned monopoly that bars entry to competitors. In addition, patents may serve defensive purposes in that competitors may be less likely to sue a startup for patent infringement if there is a risk of a countersuit. Further,…
A couple of months ago, we gave you five privacy tips relevant to startups and told you about the consequences startups face from regulators if they fail to protect their users’ privacy. Regulators like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Consumer Financial…
Collecting stockholder consent by email can be more complicated than collecting director consent by email. If your company is incorporated in a state that permits stockholders to consent by electronic transmission, developing a process for collecting these consents is key to ensuring that the stockholder action is…
Q: How should I invest in insurance for my startup? What types of insurance do I need? What can I expect from the claim process? A: A full risk assessment of your company’s developing business requires an audit of your potential liabilities. However, as a general rule…
Startups have bigger concerns than privacy, or so they think. Many startups have learned that being young and small does not keep them off the radar screens of privacy regulators, and they can be vulnerable to costly investigations. Privacy issues that come to light in the course…
In our Emerging Companies & Venture Capital group, we often work with founders and early- stage companies that are in the process of raising their first round of financing. On occasion, this takes the form of a “friends and family” round, consisting of a group of supportive…
It’s a proud day when you receive your first round of funding. Each subsequent round helps build your dream, but at a cost. As commitments are made, do you take the time to think about how much company you now own? BothSidesofTheTable.com put together this infographic on…
