Intellectual property protection in startups

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in startups. This enables the rapid development of technology and technological innovation. Many inventors and innovators create intellectual property that is not always adequately protected. When observing the life cycles of startups, it can be noticed that large number of these startups become inactive within the first three years of operation. The aim of this article is to answer the questions: what factors influence startup successes and failures? Is the lack of intellectual property protection one of such factors, and if so, how can startups secure their inventions or innovations? What strategies can be applied to protect intellectual property? What does intellectual property protection look like in Polish startups? Desk research was used as the research method in the article. The literature on the subject was analysed along with the reports and studies of research companies, institutions associating startups and the websites of patent attorneys and law firms that help startups in the protection of intellectual property. Research has shown that, in most cases, startups see the need to protect intellectual property, which is of particular importance in high-tech sectors. Many factors can contribute to the failure of a startup at various stages of its development. It is important that the intellectual property is protected at the initial stage of the startup’s development, and that the company has created and applied an appropriate intellectual property protection strategy.