or first-time founders, protecting intellectual property can feel overwhelming—like navigating a foreign system without a map.
But IP is often your startup’s most valuable—and most vulnerable—asset. Whether you’re building software, launching a physical product, or developing a personal brand, protecting your ideas early isn’t just legal—it’s strategic.
Here’s what every new founder should know to move from uncertain to unstoppable.
Why IP Should Be One of Your First Priorities
In You Are an IP Company, co-authors Kary Oberbrunner and Katherine Rubino point out a critical truth: Over 90% of your startup’s value may live in intangible assets like your code, content, branding, systems, or data—not in your physical product.
Yet most founders delay IP protection. They fear legal complexity, or assume they’ll “handle it later.” That delay leaves you exposed—especially during pitches, product launches, or early collaborations.
Start with These 5 IP Moves
1. Secure a Fast, First Layer of Protection
Patents can cost upwards of $30,000 and take 1–3 years. But with Instant IPᴵᴾ, you can:
- Upload a document, pitch deck, sketch, or written idea
- Create a blockchain-verified smart contract in under one minute
- Receive a timestamped, court-admissible certificate
- Choose to keep your record public or hidden
This protection starts at under $100 (your first one is free) and establishes legal prior art, helping block others from claiming what you’ve created.
2. Inventory the IP You’ve Already Created
Many first-time founders think they “don’t have any IP.” But in reality, you probably do.
Ask yourself:
- Have I developed a unique process, framework, or workflow?
- Do I use original taglines, designs, or course content?
- Is my pitch deck, software UI, or business model custom and proprietary?
If so, those are IP assets—and they deserve to be documented and protected. Not someday. Now.
3. Use NDAs—But Don’t Rely on Them Alone
Non-Disclosure Agreements can help—especially with freelancers, contractors, or manufacturing partners. But here’s the truth:
- Many investors won’t sign NDAs
- NDAs are hard to enforce without proof of authorship
- Timestamped blockchain protection is a stronger foundation
Pair your NDAs with Instant IPᴵᴾ to show indisputable ownership before you share a single slide.
4. Delay Public Exposure Until You’re Protected
Your next LinkedIn post, podcast appearance, or demo day pitch could put your idea in front of global competitors.
If your idea isn’t protected first, others can:
- Replicate it quickly
- File competing claims
- Undercut your first-mover advantage
Protect before you promote—then share boldly, knowing your IP is locked and verified.
5. Go Beyond Just Patents
Not every idea needs a patent—but every founder needs an IP protection strategy. Depending on your business, that might include:
- Copyrights for course material, software code, or design assets
- Trademarks for your name, logo, or product line
- Trade secrets for systems, formulas, or backend infrastructure
- Smart contracts through Instant IPᴵᴾ for instant ownership proof
Choose tools that fit your business stage—not tradition.
The Emotional Payoff
IP protection isn’t just about courtrooms—it’s about confidence.
When your work is protected:
- You can pitch investors without fear
- You sleep better knowing your ideas are safe
- You project credibility to potential partners
As Kary Oberbrunner says:
“When you take your IP seriously, others will too.”
Final Thought: Protect Like a Pro—Even If You’re Just Starting Out
You don’t need a law degree or six figures to secure what you’ve built. What you do need is a shift—from reactive to proactive.
Protect early. Grow confidently. Lead with clarity.
With 1 Click, Instant IPᴵᴾ transforms your idea into a blockchain-verified, court-admissible smart contract—without the cost, complexity, or legal team.
Protect My Idea | Free Credit | $97 Value
Because bold ideas deserve a barrier—before they’re too big to ignore.