1. Public disclosure before filing — demos, papers, or pitch decks can destroy novelty.
  2. No trademark clearance — rebrand costs exceed search fees.
  3. Missing IP assignments — investors expect clean chain of title from founders and contractors.
  4. One-size-fits-all protection — combine patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets strategically.
  5. Ignoring international timelines — 12-month Paris Convention and PCT windows are strict.
  6. Weak claim scope — overly narrow patents are hard to enforce; overly broad claims face rejection.
  7. No watch services — monitor competitor filings and infringements.
  8. Verbal-only licensing — document technology transfer and royalties.
  9. Neglecting designs and GI — product appearance and regional products need tailored protection.
  10. DIY filings without strategy — errors in classification or claim drafting are costly to fix.

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