A scientist's stolen notebook sparked Dan Scola's passion for intellectual property law. Now a managing partner at Hoffman Baron LLP, Dan reveals the essential yet often misunderstood world of IP protection on this episode of Leadership in Law.
Dan explains that inventors must balance sharing their ideas to sell them with protecting those ideas to profit from them. Using real estate analogies, he clarifies how patents set boundaries for innovations and highlights the key differences between patents, trademarks, and copyrights. He also emphasizes the importance of timing in intellectual property strategy, using the recent expiration of Disney’s original Mickey Mouse copyright as an example.
Dan emphasizes that for startups, building a strategic intellectual property (IP) portfolio is essential to increasing company valuation. He outlines how to identify inventions, differentiate them from existing technologies, and create protective “thickets” around key innovations. This strategy demands a deep understanding of both the scientific landscape and legal processes, especially as AI adds new layers of complexity to IP rights.
The conversation weaves through personal stories, cautionary tales about digital-age confidentiality, and practical tips for navigating the world of intellectual property. Whether you're building a tech startup, creating content, or just curious about how ideas are legally protected, this episode delivers valuable insights on turning innovation into secure, high-value assets.
Reach Dan here:
Twitter: @hbiplaw
Facebook: @Hoffmann & Baron, LLP
Linkedin: @Hoffmann & Baron, LLP
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