Founder’s Checklist: 30 Steps to Nail Your Startup’s IPR Registration
• 02 Jul 25
“A startup without IPR protection is like a castle without walls - impressive from a distance, but easy to sack.” - Matt Glynn
Introduction
Every startup founder knows their ideas, innovations, and brand are their lifeblood. But unless you’ve locked down your IPR registration, your hard work is vulnerable. Competitors can copy it, investors may undervalue it, and regulators may even block your growth.
This checklist gives you 30 practical steps to protect your startup’s trademarks, patents, designs, and copyrights. Work through it systematically to build a robust IP strategy.
30-Point IPR Registration Checklist
Step 1-5: Identify and Prioritise Your IP
1. Create an IP inventory - list all names, logos, inventions, content, and designs.
2. Rank by importance - prioritise IP linked to your core product or revenue model.
3. Flag unprotected assets - identify what needs urgent IPR registration.
4. Check ownership clarity - confirm all IP belongs to the company (not founders individually).
5. Align IP with business plan - ensure your IP strategy supports scaling and fundraising.
Step 6-10: Search and Clear Your Rights
1. Trademark search - check national and global databases for conflicts.
2. Patent prior-art search - identify similar inventions already registered.
3. Design register check - confirm your product look is unique.
4. Domain name search - make sure brand domains are available.
5. Social media handle check - align brand name across platforms.
Step 11-15: File and Register
1. File your first trademark - start with your company name or flagship product.
2. Register key logos/slogans - protect visual identity and taglines.
3. Patent filing (if applicable) - protect core inventions before disclosure.
4. Design application - protect product aesthetics where relevant.
5. Copyright notices - apply to software, content, and creative works.
Step 16-20: International Protection
1. Decide on priority markets - based on sales, manufacturing, and expansion plans.
2. Use the Madrid Protocol - cost-effective trademark registration across 100+ countries.
3. File under the PCT - preserve patent rights globally while buying time.
4. Consider Hague System - streamline design filings internationally.
5. Monitor foreign filings - watch for similar marks in your target regions.
Step 21-25: Maintain and Defend
1. Pay renewal fees - diarise deadlines for each IP asset.
2. Record licences/assignments - log who can use your IP.
3. Set up IP watch services - monitor new filings that may conflict.
4. Police online infringement - track counterfeiters and domain squatters.
5. Act fast on infringements - send cease-and-desist or escalate legally.
Step 26-30: Optimise and Monetise
1. Bundle IP for investors - prepare an IP schedule for due diligence.
2. Value your IP portfolio - include IP assets in company valuation.
3. Consider tax structures -explore IP holding companies for efficiency.
4. Plan for licensing - build revenue streams through licensing agreements.
5. Review annually - update your IP portfolio in line with business growth.
Final Thoughts
Founders often see IPR registration as “something to do later.” That’s a mistake. The earlier you lock down your IP, the stronger your business foundation becomes. Skipping these steps can cost you your brand, your market, and your valuation.
How GLS Can Help You
By building your legal dept on the GLS platform you can:
1. Register your IPR globally - trademarks, patents, and designs.
2. Leverage international systems - Madrid Protocol, PCT, and Hague filings.
3. Structure your IP portfolio - align with valuation and fundraising goals.
4. Access on-demand IP lawyers - expert advice without law firm overheads.
5. Protect your brand identity - secure names, logos, slogans.
6. Safeguard innovations - patents and design rights.
7. Defend against infringement - practical enforcement strategies.
8. Monetise IP - licensing, assignments, and commercialisation.
9. Scale globally - cost-conscious, founder-friendly IP strategies.
10. Operate like a large in-house legal team - at a fraction of the cost.
Observations and Tips
- Identify All Intellectual Property Assets Early: Startups should identify trademarks, patents, copyrights, designs, domain names, and trade secrets from the outset.
- Ensure Proper Ownership of IP: All IP created by founders, employees, and contractors should be formally assigned to the company.
- Prioritise Trademark Protection Early: Brand names, logos, slogans, and product identifiers should be registered before market expansion.
- Assess Patent Eligibility Carefully: Innovative products, systems, or technologies should be evaluated for patent protection opportunities.
- Protect Copyrighted Materials Properly: Software, content, marketing materials, designs, and creative works should be documented and protected.
- Maintain Confidentiality Before Filing: Public disclosure before registration may affect patentability and commercial protection.
- Conduct IP Clearance & Availability Searches: Trademark and patent searches help reduce infringement and registration conflicts.
- Register Domain Names Strategically: Businesses should secure relevant domain names and digital brand assets early.
- Use NDAs & Confidentiality Agreements: Sensitive information shared with employees, investors, or partners should remain protected.
- Maintain Detailed IP Documentation: Creation records, assignments, licences, and filing records improve enforcement and due diligence readiness.
- Monitor Deadlines & Renewal Requirements: IP rights require ongoing renewals, filings, and maintenance procedures.
- Protect IP Internationally Where Necessary: Businesses operating globally should assess cross-border registration and enforcement strategies.
- Align IP Strategy With Commercial Goals: IP protection should support fundraising, licensing, branding, and long-term growth objectives.
- Avoid Informal IP Arrangements: Unclear ownership and undocumented rights frequently create investor and founder disputes.
- Prevent Reactive IP Management: Delays in registration often weaken protection, valuation, and competitive advantage.
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