Choose an invention or other protectable intellectual property (“IP”) for a small or start-upbusiness. This may be IP you are familiar with, or it may be described in a website or other
source. Examples include new products, new technology, or new software.
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Prepare a paper that is at least 1,400 words and addresses the following:
Describe the invention or other type of intellectual property.
Identify the types of intellectual property law that apply.
Explore how the business should protect this intellectual property.
Analyze how you might advise the business owner to protect its future IP. The owner
expects a substantive answer, not simply a recommendation to refer matters to an
attorney. The majority of businesses in the United States do not have staff counsel, and no
owner wants to spend money getting legal advice until they know why (i.e., after you
provide an assessment). In your analysis, identify what IP principles support your
recommendations.
Include 3-5 references, other than the text, 2-3 of which are peer reviewed.