Readiness & Constraints

If you are currently working for a company while building your startup on the side, you might already be in trouble.

• The "IP Clause": Most U.S. employment contracts say the company owns everything you create while employed there. If you use a company laptop or even company Wi-Fi to write code for your startup, your employer could legally own your new business.
• Non-Compete Agreements: While some states (like California) have banned non-competes, many others still enforce them. If your startup is in the same industry as your boss, they could sue to shut you down.
• Read your "Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement" (PIIIA). If it's too broad, you must finish your startup work entirely on your own equipment, on your own time, and off-site.

Free Resource: Understanding the Intellectual Property Clause in Contracts