IP and Employment Law Considerations: Beyond the Basics

For startups and established companies alike, intellectual property is often one of the most valuable assets you have. But who actually owns it? What happens when an employee or contractor leaves? How should you approach AI-generated work? And when is it worth bringing in an IP professional? This practical, founder-focused session goes beyond the basics to help you identify risks, protect your IP, and make smarter decisions as your business grows. THIS IS AN IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL EVENT VIA ZOOM. What We'll Cover • Whose IP Was This Anyway? — Establishing Ownership Before You Build Understand founder and co-founder IP assignments, ownership issues when relationships change, and what to consider when partnering with universities or other organizations. • Hiring People — IP in the Employment Relationship Explore employee versus employer ownership, contractor agreements, trade secrets, confidentiality, and what to do when an employee departs. • If You Didn't Write It Down, It Didn't Happen — IP Hygiene That Pays Off Learn why good record-keeping matters, how invention disclosures can protect your business, and the importance of staying on top of your trademarks. • AI, Ownership & Keeping Your Work Safe Examine best practices for using AI without compromising your IP and consider the important question: who owns AI-generated output in the workplace? • Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck — Working Smart with IP Professionals Learn how to prepare for conversations with IP lawyers and agents, choose stronger trademarks, conduct initial searches using CIPO databases, and determine when to file—or wait. • Fight Smart, Not Expensive — Enforcing Your IP Without Blowing Your Budget Discover practical approaches to trademark enforcement, competitor monitoring, patent disputes, demand letters, mediation, and dealing with nuisance claims or patent trolls. Who Should Attend? This webinar is ideal for founders, entrepreneurs, startup teams, business owners, executives, and anyone responsible for managing or protecting intellectual property within an organization.