Most small to medium sized technology companies are faced with multiple challenges: obtaining funding, getting their technologies developed, taking care of legal formalities, managing employees and consultants, protecting IP with registrations and filing, and getting to market are foremost. Similar problems are encountered by research institutions and governments, and we provide the following services to meet their needs as well. Our services address these challenges directly:
1. Agreements. Often negotiation of technology related agreements can take longer than expected. Technology ventures are often engaged in contract negotiations with potential partners, suppliers, employees, and customers. We help our clients avoid risks that can have long-term consequences, all the while staying positive and proactive to get the deal done. We draft and negotiate a wide range of technology agreements, including:
- technology license, patent license
- software license
- research and development collaboration
- confidentiality (non-disclosure)
- employee and consultant
- OEM (original equipment manufacture)
- strategic alliance
- joint venture
- distribution
- manufacturing
- academic technology transfer
Our approach is proactive: We help our clients prepare for negotiation by defining terms and conditions and assessing relative bargaining power based on IP assets of both parties. We develop a strategy to get the best deal. We create a negotiation schedule to help stalled negotiations get on track.
2. Finding partners. We identify and contact partners especially for clients who wish to expand into emerging markets by means of technology licensing and development collaborations. Because of our international experience, we can call upon an extensive international network of business contacts and lawyers.
3. IP Strategy. We advise on IP and licensing strategy including IP audit, how to build a patent portfolio, using trademarks, service marks and certification marks in branding, how to package software and other copyright works for licensing, how to protect IP in foreign countries, valuation of IP, and patent search for competitive analysis.
4. Basic legal start up. We work with new companies to set up basic legal and IP functions including employee and consultant contracts, non-disclosure agreements, operating agreements, invention disclosure forms, trade secret measures, etc. Upon request we train employees on how to use these basic forms in negotiation and when to seek legal help. We assist with corporate entity formation for start ups, or outsource such work to get the most efficient price and best quality.
5. Intellectual Property Training Programs. Using IP for success requires that all stakeholders share a common understanding about IP. We help create that alignment around IP Strategy by conducting training programs. We also offer training on licensing and development collaboration opportunities in emerging and developing economies. The IP*SEVA principals have extensive experience in training and international education.