24. John Sears (Innovators Legal) on startups and intellectual property

I speak with John Sears of Innovators Legal about intellectual property, business strategy, and deep-tech startups partnering with corporations to co-create value. (0:00) Introduction (0:43) Role of IP in early stage companies (4:31) Common types of IP (7:28) When to protect inventions by patents vs. keeping trade secrets (10:03) Challenges when protecting IP (16:37) Logistics of protection (19:47) Fast track examination (23:01) Valuation of IP (25:16) Best way for startups to work with strategic partners (32:47) Challenges encountered during strategic alliances (43:11) Consequences of failing to protect inventions properly (48:51) Innovators Legal (50:28) Combining IP and business strategies