Startups can leverage the 'Scheme for Startups Intellectual Property Protection(SIPP) under the Startup India initiative. Code, algorithms and research findings are some of the most common intellectual property owned by organizations.
The scheme was set up to nurture and mentor innovative and emerging technologies among startups and help in the protection and commercialization of intellectual property. For the effective implementation of the scheme, facilitators have been empanelled by the Controller General of Patents, Trademarks and Design.
Start-up and contract management
Contracts are the foundation of any business. A contract is necessary to ensure the successful completion of the task and is an excellent mechanism to secure redress in the event that the work is not completed. For business owners, having a basic understanding of the different facets of contract administration can be useful.
According to the Indian Contract Act, of 1872, all agreements are considered contracts if they are freely entered into by parties who are legally able to do so, are formed for a legal consideration with a legal purpose, and are not specifically stated to be void.
One of the most important things to consider when beginning a business is employee contracts. In the beginning, founders frequently worked together with their own circle of reliable friends. While this ensures a certain level of ease and efficiency for business operations, it is always advisable to outline and formalize employee contracts with information about salary, the scope of work, and stock options (if any) with even your first few employees. Startups can lower their risks later on by having this clarity from the start.
Startups frequently employ contract employees and suppliers in their early stages of operation, and having a strong contract management system will guarantee that the necessary safeguards are in place to ensure that necessary work is completed on schedule.
NDAs are a crucial contract that entrepreneurs may find advantageous to have. Startups frequently succeed in a crowded market with intense competition, and they regularly debate ideas with a wide range of people, including possible investors, employees, and customers.
Although this is crucial for the expansion of the company, it exposes fledgling businesses to dangers including the theft of ideas and other confidential business data. Ideas that may have been offered in good faith could be misused and work against the interests of the company.
Nondisclosure agreements, also known as NDAs, must be created and used by startups when sharing sensitive company information with anyone outside the organization in order to prevent such situations.
