IP Architecture for Early-Stage Companies ? Protecting What You're Building Short Description
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Many founders think of intellectual property as a patent filing exercise. In reality, effective IP strategy is about ownership, control, and ensuring the company—not individuals, contractors, or vendors—actually owns the assets it is building. This workshop helps founders understand the practical legal foundations needed to protect their innovations and prepare for future growth. The workshop reframes intellectual property as an ownership and risk-management framework rather than simply a collection of filings and registrations.
Participants will explore the four primary forms of intellectual property protection—patents, trade secrets, copyrights, and trademarks—and learn when each tool is most effective. The session also covers practical patent strategies for startups operating with limited budgets, including the role of provisional patents and what "patent pending" actually means.
Beyond filings, the workshop addresses one of the most common issues uncovered during fundraising and diligence: ownership gaps. Attendees will learn how founders, employees, contractors, manufacturers, design firms, and research partners can create vulnerabilities if intellectual property is not properly assigned and documented. The session also introduces practical approaches to freedom-to-operate reviews, trade secret protection, and supplier-related IP risks.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clearer understanding of how investors evaluate intellectual property, the common diligence issues that create delays or reduce company value, and the steps they can take now to build a stronger IP foundation.
Who Should Attend
- Startup founders and co-founders
- Hardtech, software, and AI entrepreneurs
- Product developers and inventors
- Companies preparing for fundraising
- Early-stage teams developing proprietary technology
- Founders seeking to improve investor readiness
About the Instructor
Chris Werner is the Founder and Managing Partner of Vidar Law LLC, a Chicago-based law firm focused on commercial litigation, AI and emerging technology counsel, fractional general counsel services, and mergers and acquisitions. His background spans BigLaw practice, boutique firms, executive leadership, and startup operations, including serving as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of a marketing company through its acquisition by a private equity buyer. Chris combines legal expertise with real-world operator experience to help founders navigate the practical business consequences behind legal decisions.
About the Organization
Vidar Law LLC is a Chicago-based law firm that advises startups, growth-stage companies, and business leaders on commercial transactions, emerging technology, AI governance, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, and fractional general counsel services. The firm focuses on helping founders build practical legal frameworks that support growth, manage risk, and align legal strategy with business objectives.
Venue
mHUB 1623 W Fulton St
Location
mHUB 1623 W Fulton St 1623 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612, US Get Directions
Date and Time
07/07/26 @ 1:30 PM
07/07/26 @ 1:30 PM
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