Why is IP so important for your company and what do you do when you have no or very little money and know even less? 

Science-based start-ups and spinouts are often aware that intellectual property (IP) is critical to the success of their business. However, founders have several competing demands and are seldom experts in the world of IP. This collaboration between Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), Potter Clarkson and Highlands and Islands Enterprise is dedicated to helping you begin your IP journey.

 IP and venture capital funding is much like a chicken-egg situation. You need the IP to attract investment, but you need investment to secure the IP - so it can be difficult to know where to start.  Although your approach to IP (your IP strategy) is ever evolving, you need clarity and a defined early-stage path to achieve your initial goals – factors like  fundraising, hiring and R&D. 

 Drawing on the expertise of the partner organisations, this session will explore opportunities to combine early-stage funding, government support and specialist advice to help you take your first steps towards an IP audit. We will also hear from two founders who have been through the process and lived to tell the tale.

 The output from an IP audit can turn often nebulous IP ideas into a tangible written report that you can add to your dataroom, giving investors comfort that you understand your IP situation and are taking appropriate advice.  It also gives you a clear set of next steps – what to do and when – and a realistic budget to work with.

 Agenda

Potter Clarkson:

-      Why is IP so important for start-ups? 

-      What is it? How do you know if you have it?

-      How to secure IP

Highlands and Islands Enterprise:

-      IP audit from the HIE perspective

IBioIC:

-      Role of the IBioIC and support available

Potter Clarkson:

-      The IP audit from the IP advisor perspective

Case Studies:

-      BugBiome - Alicia Showering, CEO

- SeaDyes - Jessica Gianotti, CEO 

Wrap up and Q+A

For further information please contact Kim Cameron at IBioIC – kim.cameron@ibioic.com