Ask HN: IP ownership on a startup while working full time

2 pointsnetcan1 comment

Generally, what things do I need to mind and/or do to avoid stepping over legal lines. A good checklist would be wonderful.

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A lawyer, to look at your IP obligations to your current employer, explicit or implied. This is very jurisdiction dependent. I've worked with too many folks who found out after the fact that legally someone else had a claim on their IP.

A lawyer, to draft the required paperwork to protect your IP created with with respect to your startup. Also jurisdiction dependent. Handshakes are comforting. Verbal agreements are nice. Paper has memory. Contracts are for when people aren't happy with each other.

This should be an IP lawyer, not the one who did your house closing, or your buddies pal the DUI attorney.

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