Hoffman Warnick has extensive experience representing startups relative to their intellectual property needs. We strive to prepare startups for long term success by educating teams regarding IP, and installing a manageable and smart IP strategy that balances protection with budgetary constraints.

Some of our services in this area include: IP portfolio counseling; IP procurement (patents, copyrights, trademarks) – domestic and international; trade secret programs; investment preparation (preparing for IP due diligence); opinions: freedom-to-operate (clearance), patentability, invalidity, non-infringement, unenforceability; pre-litigation negotiations; prior art searches; disclosure review and analysis; employee education programs; trademark branding strategy; agreement drafting and review including non-disclosure agreements, licenses, and joint development agreements; and IP provisions relating to employee agreements, licenses and other agreements.

CASE STUDY 1:

The Challenge: A small tool company requested that we evaluate whether a number of new products were patentable and recommend how to proceed in protecting their intellectual property.

Services Provided: Hoffman Warnick conducted a patentability search for the new products and recommended patent protection for some products and trade secret protection for others.  The firm also established an IP strategy for the startup, and educated the startup team on how to organize their IP records, conduct regular IP review meetings, and prioritize their needs versus budget.

Results: The client now has a patent protecting their core technology and is conducting ongoing IP reviews as their products advance to market.  Hoffman Warnick regularly assists in IP evaluation.