[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4752: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/language/en/common.php:1)
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4754: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/language/en/common.php:1)
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4755: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/language/en/common.php:1)
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4756: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/language/en/common.php:1)
 www.Pinskylaw.ca • View topic - Handling Intellectual Property of Founders

Handling Intellectual Property of Founders

Post about founders related issues

Handling Intellectual Property of Founders

Postby Pinskylaw.ca » 09 Aug 2013, 09:36

Before a start-up is formed, the founders often have developed intellectual property that will be a central asset of the start-up once it is formed. At the time of incorporation, it is important to make sure that all of this intellectual property is properly contributed to the corporation. Failure to properly make and document these transfers can have serious later consequences to the corporation, especially if one of the founders leaves the start-up. For example, angel and venture investors will be interested in evaluating the ownership of any intellectual property of the start-up in connection with their due diligence and will likely find any defects in this initial transfer process to be a concern.

This transfer is generally accomplished by means of a transfer and assumption agreement pursuant to which the contribution is made, often as consideration for the equity issued to the founders. Often, this intellectual property is transferred to the start-up in exchange for all or part of the founder's initial share allocation. If a founder has any intellectual property that might be construed as related to the business of the start-up but that is not intended to be transferred to the start-up, it is advisable to make this explicitly clear in the instrument of transfer, usually by specifically listing the intellectual property of the founder that is not being transferred.

Finally, to properly transfer certain types of intellectual property to the start-up, filings may be necessary with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (and, if Internet domain names are being transferred, compliance with any filing or other process requirements of Network Solutions, Inc. or another appropriate registration authority). To ensure that this property is properly transferred, a qualified intellectual property lawyer should be consulted. To minimize the risk that the contribution of appreciated property will result in taxable gain, a tax lawyer should be consulted to make sure that the contribution is, if possible, tax-free. A tax lawyer should also help the founders appreciate the risk that the Revenue Canada could take the position that the shares being received is more valuable than the consideration being paid for the shares, resulting in immediate gain and taxable income to the founders. This so-called cheap stock issue is generally a greater concern when the start-up is formed shortly before the start-up closes a financing round, which, if negotiated on an arms-length basis, serves as the best evidence of the value of the shares at that time.

Another ownership problem common in the early stages of a start-up's life involves intellectual property developed by individuals who are independent contractors because the start-up does not formally employ them. As a general rule, in the absence of a written agreement between the start-up and the contractor that states that a work product is a “work made for hire”, the contractor and not the start-up owns the intellectual property rights to the work product, even if the start-up paid the contractor for the work. In the absence of a proper written agreement, the startup will, at most, possess only an implied license to use the intellectual property created by the contractor. Thus, it is essential that all work involving intellectual property be performed by employees of the start-up or by contractors working under a written agreement that assigns all of the contractor's right, title, and interest in the intellectual property to the start-up.
Pinskylaw.ca
Site Admin
 
Posts: 160
Joined: 24 Jun 2013, 17:57

Return to Founders

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest

cron