Checklist for Startups Building an IP Strategy Investors Will Respect

"A thoughtful IP strategy is more than a box to check. It's part of your value story. For startups, patents are often the first line of defense in building a competitive moat. They signal to investors that your company is not only innovative but also strategically protecting its differentiators. But not all patents are created equal. A weak or poorly conceived filing can raise more red flags than confidence."

"As a former United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Patent Examiner and now an Intellectual Property Strategist, I've seen both sides: portfolios that impressed investors and set startups up for long-term growth - and portfolios that did little more than drain resources. The difference comes down to strategy. Here's a practical checklist to help startups build an IP strategy that earns investor respect and supports business growth."

"Patents should map directly to your company's growth trajectory. For example, if your startup is launching a medical device, the core utility patent should protect the functionality that drives patient outcomes, not just secondary features. Investors want to see that the patents you file protect the engine of your business model. Investor lens: If you can show that your patents cover the same milestones as your product roadmap, you demonstrate foresight and discipline."

Patents serve as a primary defense and signal to investors that a company protects its differentiators. A strategic IP plan targets the innovations that drive business value and maps to the product roadmap. Filings should prioritize core functionality that is hard to copy rather than peripheral features. Poorly conceived or scattershot patents waste resources and undermine investor confidence. Practical IP work involves aligning protections with growth milestones, selecting meaningful claims, and demonstrating foresight and discipline. Effective IP portfolios can support long-term growth and attract investor respect; weak portfolios can drain resources and offer little competitive advantage.

Read at IPWatchdog.com | Patents & Intellectual Property Law