PROTECTING YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Every innovation begins with an idea, a creation of your mind. Before you commit to bringing that idea to fruition, it is essential to understand the importance and your options from the legal standpoint. Your innovation is known as Intellectual property (IP), a potentially valuable intangible asset that should be protected to differentiate your product or service in the marketplace and to help you stand out from the competition.

If you own or are starting a technology-focused company developing new products or services, you should be aware that one of your valuable business assets is IP rights. Those rights need to be protected.

How to Protect your IP

IP includes copyrights, which cover works of authorship, such as books, logos, and software. It also includes patents, which protect inventions. Other types of IP include trademarks, designs, and trade secrets. Click on Intellectual Property: What You Need to Know for the details.

Assuming you are satisfied with your investigation as to the worthiness of a business idea, you should undertake an analysis of the type of intellectual properties that apply to your situation, and act to safeguard your intellectual property in the United States (or worldwide if appropriate). An attorney experienced in the specific type of intellectual property can assist with this process.

How VtSBDC can help

VtSBDC’s advising team is here to help you through the process with specific expertise from Scott Holson, a business advisor who specializes in Innovation and Technology Commercialization. Scott’s knowledge and experience in Intellectual property and tech commercialization provide insight and guidance for innovators, technology-driven entrepreneurs, and tech startups. 

With Scott’s help, you can learn how to evaluate the worthiness of an idea, as well as navigate the intellectual property process before you engage an attorney or prepare your innovation for launch.

At VtSBDC, count on us to meet you where you are and to help you get where you want to go. 

How to Start

Before arranging a meeting with Scott Holson, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the IP landscape. Educational resources included here are a:

What do I do next?

After you have reviewed the resources included on this page, we recommend that you connect with Scott Holson to arrange an appointment to discuss your idea and review your questions. Scott will help you to find helpful resources for your particular situation. In addition to the IP pathway, Scott can help you navigate the ins and outs of financing, business planning, and strategies to help bring your idea to life.

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Learn more about demystifying the topic of Intellectual Property with a helpful webinar created by Vermont Law School and hosted by VtSBDC.

Learn more about Scott Holson, Business Advisor

https://www.vtsbdc.org/member/scott-holson/

Read about how Scott shines a light on innovation and technology commercialization

https://www.vtsbdc.org/vtsbdc-business-advisor-scott-holson-shines-a-light-on-innovation-tech-commercialization/

Scott Holson

Business Advisor

Orange and Northern Windsor Counties
and Statewide Innovation & Tech Commercialization