IP Strategy for Startups & Scaleups

What should your startup protect, when should you take action, and how can you build an effective IP strategy without breaking the bank?

​For startups, intellectual property can be a valuable competitive advantage. But knowing what is worth protecting, which rights actually apply, and when to invest in protection isn't always straightforward.

​At our next Panel Discussion, we'll bring together IP experts to explore the practical decisions founders face when building and protecting their businesses.

​What we'll discuss:

• ​IP myths vs. reality: Common misconceptions about patents, ownership, and intellectual property rights.

• ​What is actually worth protecting? Understanding when patents, trademarks, copyrights, or trade secrets make sense for different business models.

• ​Technology transfer & university spin-offs: Navigating IP ownership, licensing agreements, and technology transfer processes when turning academic research into a startup.

• ​Building an IP strategy on a startup budget: How to prioritise protection, avoid costly mistakes, and make informed decisions early on.

​We'll also touch on real-world challenges, including the risks of AI-generated patent applications and the importance of getting IP decisions right from the start.

​Meet the panelists

• ​Lou Lieto – Wilson Sonsini, US Patent Attorney

• ​Oliver Horlacher – Alfred, Swiss Patent Attorney

• ​Pascal Egloff – ETH Zurich, Technology & Licensing Manager

​Expect an interactive discussion with practical examples, different expert perspectives, and the opportunity to ask your own questions.

​Following the panel, join us for an apéro and networking with fellow founders and members of the startup ecosystem.

Sign up here: https://luma.com/fhgttgqb

​📅 12 November 2026
📍 Zurich (2 minutes from the main station)
💬 Panel discussion + Q&A
🥂 Networking apéro

​We look forward to seeing you!