Following substantial disruption to oral proceedings in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, the European Patent Office moved to make oral proceedings by video conference the default option before the Boards of Appeal, by introducing a new provision allowing such proceedings whenever the Boards considered it “appropriate to do so”.
Having a sound IP strategy in place supports fund-raising efforts by enabling you to address due diligence questions from investors. By answering their questions in a clear manner, you give them the confidence that you have properly considered how IP factors into your business plan.
IP is often the strongest, and sometimes only, asset owned by a university start-up in its early days. Capturing and protecting new IP are essential steps for building a solid foundation on which a start-up can develop their IP portfolio to attract potential investors.
The question of IP ownership should not be overlooked and will be raised by investors looking into investing in a university start-up. There are two key areas investors will want to look at - who owns the existing IP, and what will happen to ownership of new IP created by your start-up?
As a university student or academic you might be vaguely aware of IP as a concept but still wonder “Why is IP important?” and “Where do I start with my IP strategy?”. Our guide takes you through five facets of IP that are particularly important for businesses relying on university-originating IP.
Potter Clarkson has secured prominent placing in IAM Patent 1000: The World's Leading Patent Professionals 2021 - a prestigious guide that identifies the top patent professionals in key jurisdictions around the globe.