Intellectual Property Rights, Investment And Trade Secret Protection In Startups

Abstract

Startups are businesses that rely on creativity and innovation and try to convert their creativity into economic value in the most ambiguous conditions. Today, startups are one of the pillars of a dynamic and developing economy and the most important platform for commercializing ideas and innovations. In order to achieve success, it is necessary to legally protect creativity and innovation that is manifested in intellectual property. This dissertation, using a descriptive-analytical research method and using library resources, tries to examine intellectual property rights, investment, and trade secret protection in startups. Having intellectual property rights is not enough for success and competition in the market, and how to exploit and use these rights is more important. A company may have intellectual property but cannot commercialize it, but the licensee of the same property and with the help of investment and intellectual property (trade secrets) can turn it into a big business. In these circumstances, the question is how intellectual property rights, investment, and trade secret protection are explained in the success of startups? The findings indicate that paying attention to intellectual property laws, investment, and trade secret protection is effective in the success of businesses; however, in some areas we face legal shortcomings in this regard. The results also indicate that protecting trade secrets is a requirement for a new business and is necessary for its continuity and compensation for damages caused by disclosure. On the other hand, attracting investors from abroad also requires the development of regulations to maintain investor trust and, conversely, motivate and encourage founders. Finally, the pillars and organizations of startups are not exactly the same as other businesses, and the development of specific regulations is effective in the survival and rights of startups.