Intellectual Property

Also called IP

Intellectual property: creations of the mind that the law protects as assets, inventions, brands, code, designs, content, through patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

Why it matters

For many startups the IP is the core asset, and ensuring the company (not a founder or contractor) owns it is critical to fundraising and exits. Messy or unassigned IP is a red flag that can sink a deal in diligence.

For example

For a deep-tech startup, the patented algorithm is the core IP, and investors check in diligence that the company clearly owns it.

Worth your time

IP India: Official Portal for Patents, Trademarks and Copyright IP India · guide The single primary source for all Indian IP filing and search, patents, trademarks, designs, and copyright, in one official place.

Related terms

Patent Trademark IP Assignment

Go deeper

See how founders actually handle this on Co-founders, team and legal, part of the Starting Up hub.

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