IP201: An IP Lens on Contracts and Agreements for Startups

Startups don’t live in a bubble; they interact and engage with other entities every single day. Whether you are hiring your first employee or signing a major partnership, it is critical to have contracts and agreements in place that define the terms and conditions of your business relationships. However, many founders overlook a critical component: the intellectual property (IP) lens. Failing to consider how your contracts affect your IP rights can unintentionally stunt your commercial growth and leave your most valuable assets vulnerable.

In this virtual session, we will dive deep into the various types of contracts and agreements that startups typically encounter. Our goal is to help you move beyond the “boilerplate” and understand how these legal documents can affect your long-term IP strategy. We will provide practical tips on how to structure your agreements for successful commercial growth and ensure your innovations remain protected as you scale.

What you’ll learn:

This session is designed to give you a strategic advantage by viewing your legal obligations through an intellectual property framework. By the end of this workshop, you will understand:

• Which specific contracts and agreements should always be reviewed from an IP perspective.
• Why these legal documents are a pillar of your broader intellectual property strategy.
• How to structure agreements to ensure long-term commercial success and avoid common pitfalls.
• Practical steps for protecting your IP when hiring contractors, employees, or engaging in research partnerships.

In the fast-paced world of innovation, your IP is often your most valuable asset. Without a clear strategy for your contracts and agreements, you risk losing ownership of key developments or limiting your ability to expand into new markets. This session offers a high-value opportunity to learn from experts who understand the intersection of law, technology, and business growth.

Who should attend:

This session is aimed at any founders at any stage in the startup life-cycle. Whether you are just beginning to validate your idea, are currently hiring employees or contractors, are developing research partnerships, or are looking to expand into new markets with licensing opportunities, this workshop will provide the clarity you need.

Meet the Speakers:

Kevin Shipley, Partner @ Marks & Clerk Kevin is a Partner, Lawyer, and Patent Agent with extensive experience helping innovators navigate the complexities of IP law. His expertise ensures that startups can confidently manage their IP portfolios while pursuing aggressive growth strategies.

Maria Wei, Senior Associate @ Marks & Clerk Maria is a Senior Associate, Lawyer, and Patent Agent at Marks & Clerk. She specializes in helping companies identify and protect their intellectual property, ensuring that their contracts align with their long-term business goals.

Accessibility and accommodation requests

This event will be delivered virtually via Zoom with Closed Captioning (CC) available. We are committed to providing inclusive, accessible event spaces. If you require additional accommodations, please contact [email protected] or review the Accessibility Statement on our website.