Intellectual Property
Securing a Core Patent Portfolio Before Series A
Client: A Portland-based software startup (anonymized)
2
Patents Granted
18 mo
Grant Timeline
$4.2M
Series A Raised
The Challenge
A seed-stage software company had developed a novel algorithm for real-time data compression but filed no IP protection before approaching investors. Competitors were shipping similar features, and the founders had weeks before their investor roadshow began.
Our Strategy
We conducted a rapid patentability assessment, identified three defensible inventions within the codebase, and filed provisional applications within 30 days to establish priority dates. We then prosecuted two utility patents and designed a trade secret framework for the remaining proprietary core.
The Outcome
Both utility patents were granted within 18 months. The IP portfolio became a material term in the company's Series A term sheet, cited by the lead investor as the primary competitive differentiator separating the company from two comparable deals.