Vendor and OEM Risk: Contract Clauses and Audits
Learn how contracts, audits, and access controls reduce trade secret risk when working with vendors and OEMs.
Employee Onboarding & Exit: IP Assignments and Reminders
Reduce risk with clear IP assignments, training, and reminders during employee onboarding and exit.
Invention Disclosure Playbook: Patent or Keep Secret?
A simple playbook to decide when to patent an invention and when keeping it a trade secret makes more sense.
Open Source + Trade Secrets: What You Can and Can’t Do
Avoid costly mistakes by understanding how open source software interacts with trade secret protection.
Trade Secrets in the Cloud: SaaS, BYOD, and Remote Teams
Learn how to protect trade secrets when using SaaS tools, personal devices, and fully remote teams.
AI & Data Sets as Trade Secrets: Storage, Sharing, and Proof
See how to store, share, and prove ownership of AI models and datasets treated as valuable trade secrets.
Source Code Protection: Repos, Keys, and Secrets Management
Protect your source code with smart repo access, key management, and secrets handling—without slowing down developers.
DLP, MDM, and DRM: Tools to Stop Leaks Before They Happen
Understand DLP, MDM, and DRM tools and how they prevent trade secret leaks before data ever leaves your company.
Access Control for Trade Secrets: Roles, Vaults, and Logs
Learn how to lock down trade secrets using roles, secure vaults, and access logs—so only the right people see what matters most.
Marking and Handling Confidential Info: Practical Rules
How you handle confidential info can make or break your IP. Learn simple, practical rules to properly mark and protect trade secrets inside your startup.
NDAs That Actually Work: Employees, Contractors, Vendors
Most NDAs fail when it matters most. Learn how to write and use NDAs that protect your startup when working with employees, contractors, and vendors.
Building a Trade Secret Policy: Templates and Must-Haves
Learn how to create a simple trade secret policy that actually protects your startup. Includes must-have rules, examples, and common mistakes to avoid.
When Patents Win, When Trade Secrets Win: A Decision Tree
Should you file a patent or rely on trade secrets? This easy decision tree helps founders quickly choose the best protection for their technology.
What Counts as a Trade Secret? A Plain-English Guide
What actually qualifies as a trade secret? Learn what counts, what doesn’t, and how startups can protect valuable ideas without legal jargon or confusion.
Trade Secrets vs Patents: How to Choose for Your Product
Not sure whether to patent your product or keep it a trade secret? This simple guide helps founders choose the right IP strategy without slowing down product development.
Playbook: 30-Day Plan to Ship a Compliant, Dual-Licensed Release
A 30-day startup playbook to ship a compliant, dual-licensed release—without slowing down your product team.
Escrow, Indemnity, and Support: What Enterprise Buyers Ask
Enterprise buyers demand escrow, indemnity, and support. Learn what startups need to prepare for big deals.
Avoiding License “Taint”: Safe Patterns for Reuse
Learn how license “taint” happens and safe reuse patterns startups use to protect proprietary code.
SaaS “Source-Available” Licenses: What They Allow (and Don’t)
Source-available licenses explained. Learn what SaaS startups can—and can’t—do under these licenses.
Plugin and Marketplace Ecosystems: License Rules That Bite
Building plugins or marketplaces? Learn license rules that often surprise startups and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Export Controls and Sanctions: What Open-Source Teams Should Check
Learn how export controls and sanctions impact open-source teams—and what startups should check to stay safe.
Compliance for AI Models and Datasets: Licenses and Attribution
AI compliance made simple. Learn how licenses, datasets, and attribution rules affect AI models and startups.
Auditing Your Codebase Before Fundraising or M&A
Preparing for fundraising or M&A? Learn how to audit your codebase for open-source risks before investors do.
Monetizing Open Source: Community Edition vs Commercial Edition
Community vs commercial editions explained. Learn how startups monetize open source without hurting adoption or trust.
Dual-License Models for Databases and Infrastructure Tools
Learn how dual-license models work for databases and infrastructure tools—and why many fast-growing startups use them.
Business Source License (BSL) and SSPL: Pros, Cons, and Gotchas
BSL and SSPL explained. Learn the pros, cons, and hidden gotchas before choosing these source-available licenses.
When to Open-Source Your Code: Strategy for Startups
Should you open-source your code? Learn timing, strategy, pros, cons, and how startups use open source to win.
Handling Forks and Contributions: IP and Assignment Basics
Forks and contributions explained. Learn IP ownership, assignment basics, and how startups avoid losing control of code.
Private vs Public Repos: What Changes for Compliance
Private vs public repos explained. Learn how compliance duties change based on repo visibility.
Using OS Code in Mobile Apps: Store Rules and License Texts
Using open source in mobile apps? Learn app store rules, license text requirements, and common pitfalls.
Contributor License Agreements (CLA) vs DCO: Pick One
CLA vs DCO explained in plain English. Learn which approach fits your startup and open-source project.
Open-Source Governance Policy: A Ready-to-Use Checklist
A simple governance checklist startups can use to manage open source use, contributions, and risk.
Managing Transitive Dependencies Without Surprises
Hidden dependencies cause compliance risk. Learn how to track and manage transitive dependencies safely.
Container Compliance: Images, Layers, and License Scan Tips
Using Docker or containers? Learn how to scan images, layers, and licenses without slowing your team down.
Third-Party Notices: How to Build a Clean NOTICE File
Learn how to build a clean NOTICE file, track attributions, and stay compliant with third-party licenses.
Software Composition Analysis (SCA): Tools and Setup
A startup-friendly guide to SCA tools, setup tips, and how to track open-source risk automatically.
SBOM for Startups: Generate, Publish, and Stay Compliant
Learn how startups can generate and publish an SBOM to meet compliance needs and speed up enterprise sales.
License Compatibility Made Simple: A Quick Startup Guide
License compatibility doesn’t have to be scary. Learn how licenses interact and avoid conflicts in your codebase.
Choosing a License for Your SDK, API, or Library
Picking a license for your SDK or API? Learn best practices to protect your IP while encouraging adoption
Apache 2.0 Patent Clause: What Founders Must Know
The Apache 2.0 patent clause explained for founders. Learn how it protects users and what it means for your IP.
AGPL in SaaS: Risks, Duties, and Safe Alternatives
Using AGPL in SaaS? Understand the risks, compliance duties, and safer license alternatives for startups.
Dual-Licensing Basics: How It Works and Why Startups Use It
Learn how dual-licensing works, why startups use it, and how it helps balance open source growth with revenue.
Copyleft Explained: GPL, LGPL, AGPL in Plain English
Confused by copyleft? This guide explains GPL, LGPL, and AGPL in simple terms so startups can avoid surprises.
MIT vs Apache 2.0 vs GPL: Which License Fits Your Product
Compare MIT, Apache 2.0, and GPL licenses in plain English. Learn which open-source license fits your startup’s product and goals.
Open-Source Compliance 101 for Startups
A simple guide to open-source compliance for startups. Learn the basics, avoid legal risks, and ship faster with confidence.
FRAND Negotiation Templates: Email, Agenda, and Data Pack Checklist
Get simple templates to speed up FRAND talks with clear emails, agendas, and data packs that show willingness.
Monitoring Standards Evolution: Keeping SEPs Current
Learn how tracking standard updates protects SEP value, essentiality status, and future licensing power.
Nationwide vs Worldwide Licenses: Picking the Right Scope
Understand when to choose national or global SEP licenses based on litigation risk, market reach, and enforcement.
Renewals and Portfolio Hygiene for SEP Owners
Learn how renewals and portfolio cleanup boost SEP strength, reduce cost, and improve licensing outcomes.
Standard Setting Orgs (3GPP, IEEE, ETSI): What Their Policies Require
Clear overview of major SDO policies, disclosure rules, and how they shape SEP licensing and obligations.
NPEs in the SEP Space: Risk Management for Implementers
Learn how NPEs use SEPs and how implementers can reduce risk with smart negotiation and technical defenses.
Compliance Programs for SEP Users: Record-Keeping That Saves You
Discover how strong SEP compliance and documentation reduce legal risk and help prove willingness in FRAND disputes.
Arbitration vs Court for FRAND Disputes: Pros and Cons
Compare arbitration and litigation for FRAND cases to choose the best path for speed, cost, and enforceability.
Antitrust & Competition Law Risks in SEP Licensing
A simple guide to antitrust risks in SEP licensing and how to avoid conduct that triggers regulatory scrutiny.
Challenging SEP Essentiality: Technical and Legal Paths
Learn how implementers challenge SEP essentiality with technical analysis, claim charts, and legal strategies.
Royalty Stacking: How to Prevent Rates from Blowing Up
Understand royalty stacking risks and practical tools to keep total SEP costs fair, predictable, and FRAND-compliant.
Essentiality Checks and Audits: Building a Defensible Position
See how essentiality checks and audits work and why they strengthen portfolios, licensing, and negotiation credibility.
Automotive & IoT SEP Licensing: Special Issues and Tactics
Explore key SEP challenges in cars and IoT devices and how suppliers, OEMs, and startups can negotiate smarter.
Small Implementer Guide: FRAND for Startups and SMEs
Simple guide for startups on navigating SEPs, avoiding overpayment, and securing fair FRAND terms without legal stress.
NDAs, Term Sheets, and Most-Favored-Nation in FRAND Deals
Learn how NDAs, term sheets, and MFN clauses shape FRAND negotiations and protect long-term licensing positions.
Willing Licensor vs Willing Licensee: Good-Faith Negotiation Playbook
A practical guide to proving willingness under FRAND—offers, timelines, deal behavior, and negotiation best practices.
Injunctions and SEPs: When Courts Say Yes or No
Understand when courts grant injunctions in SEP cases and how FRAND duties influence remedies and negotiation leverage.
Global SEP Strategy: US, EU, China, UK Compared
Compare SEP laws and trends across major regions to build a global strategy for licensing, litigation, and compliance.
Patent Pools 101: Avanci, MPEG LA, and When to Join
See how patent pools work, who runs them, and when joining boosts revenue, reduces disputes, and simplifies licensing.
Portfolio Valuation for SEP Negotiations
Learn how to value SEP portfolios using essentiality, strength, and market impact to guide better licensing decisions.
Component vs End-Product Licensing: Who Should Pay?
Understand the component vs device-level licensing debate and how courts and standards groups shape responsibility.
SEP Licensing for 5G, Wi-Fi, and Video Codecs
A clear overview of SEP licensing in 5G, Wi-Fi, and codecs—key players, royalty trends, and challenges implementers face.
Top-Down vs Bottom-Up FRAND: Which Method Fits Your Case
Compare top-down and bottom-up FRAND approaches to find the right valuation path for your SEP dispute or negotiation.
Comparable Licenses: Using Market Data to Set FRAND
Learn how comparable license analysis works, what makes data reliable, and how it shapes FRAND rate calculations.
How to Calculate a FRAND Royalty Rate
Explore core methods for setting FRAND royalty rates using economic data, essentiality, and comparable licensing benchmarks.
Claim Charts for SEPs: Step-by-Step Essentiality Mapping
A practical guide to building SEP claim charts that prove essentiality and strengthen licensing, negotiation, and litigation outcomes.
Declaring SEPs to SDOs: Rules, Timing, and Pitfalls
Learn when and how to declare SEPs to SDOs, common mistakes to avoid, and why proper timing protects your licensing rights.
How a Patent Becomes “Essential” to a Standard
See how patents are judged essential, what standards require, and why essentiality drives licensing value and legal risk.
FRAND Basics: Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory in Plain English
Understand FRAND terms in simple language—what they mean, why they exist, and how they impact SEP licensing and negotiations.
SEPs Explained: What “Standard-Essential” Really Means
Clear guide to what Standard-Essential Patents are, why they matter, and how they shape tech licensing, compliance, and innovation.
Deal-Ready IP Playbook: 30-Day Plan to Pass Diligence
Get deal-ready in 30 days. A simple, fast IP playbook to clean up ownership, patents, contracts, and risks before diligence.
Valuing IP in a Term Sheet: Methods That Hold Up
Show real IP value. Learn simple valuation methods buyers trust so you negotiate stronger term sheets.
Red Flags That Kill Deals: A Practical Shortlist
Spot deal killers early. A fast list of IP red flags that scare buyers—and how to fix them before diligence begins.
Post-Close Integration: IP Recordation, Re-Papering, and Notices
Smooth post-close steps. Learn the key IP tasks after a deal—recordation, re-papering, and required notices.
Cap Table Meets IP: Equity, Vesting, and Assignment Timing
Align equity and IP. Learn how vesting, founder exits, and assignment timing impact ownership and deal value.
Export Controls & Sanctions: IP Transfers Without Violations
Avoid IP transfer risks. A simple guide to export controls so you keep deals moving without compliance missteps.
AI Patent Drafting for In-House Counsels and University Tech Transfer Offices: An Overview
AI tools help counsel and TTO teams draft patents faster with fewer mistakes. Learn how modern workflows boost quality, speed, and control.
Data & Privacy IP: Ownership of Datasets and Model Weights
Prove you own your data. Learn how to show clean ownership of datasets, model weights, and training pipelines.
Brand Conflicts: Clearance and Coexistence Agreements That Pass Diligence
Clear brand risks early. Learn how to handle conflicts and agreements so your trademarks pass diligence cleanly.
Patent Analytics for Diligence: Strength, Citations, and Family Trees
Make your patents shine. Learn how analytics like citations and families help buyers see the real strength of your portfolio.
Continuations, Divisionals, and CIPs: Strategy Signals for Buyers
Show smart patent strategy. Learn how continuation filings signal strength and future value to buyers and investors.
Prior Art and Invalidity Exposure: Fast Triage Before the Deal
Reduce invalidity risk fast. A quick guide to checking prior art exposure so your patents hold up in diligence.
Source Code Escrow and Audit Rights: When Investors Ask
Prepare for tough asks. Learn why buyers request escrow or audit rights and how to respond without slowing the deal.
Representations & Warranties: IP Clauses You Must Get Right
Protect yourself at signing. Learn the key IP reps and warranties buyers expect—and how to avoid deal-killing risk.
University and Government Funding: Bayh-Dole and March-In Risks
Avoid funding surprises. Learn how Bayh-Dole rules affect your IP rights and what investors check in diligence.
Customer and Supplier Contracts: IP Ownership and Indemnities
Clean up contracts fast. Learn how to fix IP ownership, indemnities, and rights in commercial deals before diligence starts.
Field-of-Use and Exclusivity Clauses: Hidden Value or Handcuffs?
Spot contract traps. Understand how exclusivity and field-of-use clauses impact valuation and negotiating power.
International Filings and PCT: Status, Deadlines, and Gaps
Stay globally protected. Learn how to manage PCT and foreign filings so your international rights stay strong for deals.
Maintenance Fees and Annuities: No Lapses, No Surprises
Avoid costly lapses. Learn how to track patent maintenance and annuities so buyers see a healthy, active portfolio.
Invention Disclosure to Filing: Proving Timely Protection
Show strong process. Learn how timely disclosures and filings prove you protect innovation and reduce deal risk.
Trade Secrets: Policies, Access Controls, and Evidence of Secrecy
Protect your secrets. Learn what buyers look for in trade secret controls and how to prove your IP is truly safeguarded.
Trademark, Domain, and Brand Rights: Are They Deal-Ready?
Make your brand investable. Check trademarks, domains, and conflicts so buyers see a clean, protected, and valuable identity.
Pending Litigation, Oppositions, and PTAB: Disclose the Landmines
Own the narrative. Learn how to surface and explain IP disputes so they don’t derail deals, diligence, or investor confidence.
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) for Deals: How to De-Risk Fast
Cut infringement risk fast. A simple guide to rapid FTO checks that keep deals moving and protect your product roadmap.
Patent Portfolio Health Check: Quality, Scope, and Coverage
Strengthen your patents. Learn how to evaluate scope, quality, and coverage so your portfolio boosts valuation in deals and fundraising.




































































































