We are applying for a grant and they ask us to list this. In a grant application for funds they are asking us to provide a concise listed description of our venture’s: 1) Status of technology, 2) IP protection, 3) Ownership of IP, 4) Pre-existing obligations, 5) Expectation regarding future IP It's number 4 and 5 I'm confused by. I have so far written: 1) Our technology is built out and our platform is currently operating. 2) IP protection - our name is trademarked and copyright protected in the US and Canada. 3) Ownership of IP - we own all rights. We are the owner of all intellectual property, all improvements, written materials, logos, trademarks, trade names, copyright, patents, trade secret and moral rights, registered or unregistered. Is this enough? open to all suggestions. No idea what is meant by pre-existing obligations. If you know I'd be grateful for guidelines. Thank you!!
The questions seem quite open. Usually funds and serious institutions place description of the required fields, or at least underlined examples of what they expect.
You have answered the questions above, although I suggest structuring it and revising it. Have someone within the details of the business look at.
E.g. your platform is currently operating. Not even sure what operating is. It can be operating on your computer at home. It can be deployed on a cloud infrastructure and used by thousands/millions.
Built out is not really a term I would use. What is 'the technology", what part it is from the platform.
Write it in a way, so the person on the other side doesn't ask those questions, and understands where you are.
Further: in the ownership of IP you mention patents. If you really have it, you should also list in in IP protection part.
Number 4 is again a little bit open, but what they mean is an obligation of any kind. Starting from loans, any type of obligating contracts with 3rd parties, employees or others. E.g. a contract that states: I will help you raise this fund, and when you do, you will give me 50%.
Number 5 most likely refers to how do you plan to expand your IP (not only the protected one). Build more features to your software, add more products.
Hope this helps.
Answered 6 years ago
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