Latest news with #MartensenIP

Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Martensen IP Delivers Critical Guidance to Help Innovative Businesses Avoid Hidden IP Pitfalls in Government Contracting
08/18/2025, Colorado Springs, CO // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // For innovative companies chasing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II or III awards, the excitement of securing government funding often overshadows a critical reality: your proposal may become more than a persuasive pitch. It can become a legally binding part of the contract. This shift means the words you choose, the technical details you include, and even the way you structure your workforce can have long-term consequences for your intellectual property (IP) rights. These risks often go unnoticed until they resurface during investor due diligence, licensing negotiations, or high-stakes acquisitions. Why the Risks Are So Subtle Most proposals are drafted with a focus on technical merit, demonstrating capability, innovation, and a clear plan for execution. But in government contracting, terms like 'develop,' 'create,' or 'design' can carry specific regulatory meanings. Without realizing it, you may be granting the U.S. government rights that limit your ability to control, commercialize, or exclusively license your technology later. The challenge is compounded by the complexity of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). While these frameworks exist to define how government IP rights are determined, their specialized language and layered clauses are rarely second nature to business leaders or technical teams. The Real-World Stakes Consider the scenario of a growing tech startup that wins a Phase III award. On paper, it is a major milestone. But if the proposal language or contract terms unintentionally give the government broad rights, that startup's competitive advantage and even its valuation could take a hit. The problem is not theoretical; it has happened before. Why This Matters Beyond Compliance Protecting IP in the context of government contracts is not just about avoiding legal disputes. It is about preserving future opportunities. Whether your growth strategy includes private investment, licensing deals, or an eventual acquisition, maintaining control over your proprietary methods and data is a business imperative. The good news is that these risks can be mitigated with foresight and the right guidance. It starts with understanding how proposal language shapes contractual obligations and how to align internal processes, documentation, and agreements to keep your IP secure. This essential white paper uncovers: Download the white paper to gain the knowledge you need to protect your innovation while still winning the government contracts that fuel your growth. About Martensen IP At the intersection of business, law and technology, Martensen understands the tools of IP. Martensen knows the business of IP. We understand the tech market, especially when the government is a customer, and we know how to plan, assess, and adjust. Patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licenses are our tools. Martensen IP Media Contact Source: Release ID: 1753433


Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Martensen IP Delivers Critical Guidance to Help Innovative Businesses Avoid Hidden IP Pitfalls in Government Contracting
Colorado Springs, CO, Aug. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For innovative companies chasing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II or III awards, the excitement of securing government funding often overshadows a critical reality: your proposal may become more than a persuasive pitch. It can become a legally binding part of the contract. This shift means the words you choose, the technical details you include, and even the way you structure your workforce can have long-term consequences for your intellectual property (IP) rights. These risks often go unnoticed until they resurface during investor due diligence, licensing negotiations, or high-stakes acquisitions. Why the Risks Are So Subtle Most proposals are drafted with a focus on technical merit, demonstrating capability, innovation, and a clear plan for execution. But in government contracting, terms like 'develop,' 'create,' or 'design' can carry specific regulatory meanings. Without realizing it, you may be granting the U.S. government rights that limit your ability to control, commercialize, or exclusively license your technology later. The challenge is compounded by the complexity of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). While these frameworks exist to define how government IP rights are determined, their specialized language and layered clauses are rarely second nature to business leaders or technical teams. The Real-World Stakes Consider the scenario of a growing tech startup that wins a Phase III award. On paper, it is a major milestone. But if the proposal language or contract terms unintentionally give the government broad rights, that startup's competitive advantage and even its valuation could take a hit. The problem is not theoretical; it has happened before. Why This Matters Beyond Compliance Protecting IP in the context of government contracts is not just about avoiding legal disputes. It is about preserving future opportunities. Whether your growth strategy includes private investment, licensing deals, or an eventual acquisition, maintaining control over your proprietary methods and data is a business imperative. The good news is that these risks can be mitigated with foresight and the right guidance. It starts with understanding how proposal language shapes contractual obligations and how to align internal processes, documentation, and agreements to keep your IP secure. This essential white paper uncovers: How technical volumes can become enforceable contract terms Common missteps in using contractors that can void IP protections A clear, actionable roadmap to safeguard your intellectual property Download the white paper to gain the knowledge you need to protect your innovation while still winning the government contracts that fuel your growth. About Martensen IP At the intersection of business, law and technology, Martensen understands the tools of IP. Martensen knows the business of IP. We understand the tech market, especially when the government is a customer, and we know how to plan, assess, and adjust. Patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licenses are our tools. Martensen IP Media Contact Mike Martensen | Founder (719) 358-2254 Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash

Associated Press
12-08-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Martensen IP Offers Valuable Insights on How to Avoid the Hidden IP Risks in Government Contracting Before It's Too Late
08/11/2025, Colorado Springs, CO // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // For technology companies working with the U.S. government, safeguarding your intellectual property (IP) is more than a legal formality, it's a critical business imperative. With one misstep in a proposal or an oversight in marking deliverables, you could unknowingly hand over valuable rights to your innovations. This can reduce future licensing potential and even diminish your company's valuation. That's why Martensen IP has created The Essential IP Checklist, a concise, practical tool designed to help innovative companies avoid common but costly IP missteps when engaging with federal agencies. Why This Checklist Matters Martensen's attorneys have spent decades advising clients at the crossroads of innovation and government contracting. Our experience shows that many companies don't realize the power of a few words in a proposal, or the danger of what they leave out. The Essential IP Checklist cuts through the legal complexity to help you answer mission-critical questions like: These questions are not hypothetical. They determine whether your company keeps control of its IP or gives it away by accident. Simple, Actionable, and Free The checklist is not a lengthy white paper or legal treatise. It is a straightforward, actionable resource that you can use today. Whether you're submitting a proposal, negotiating a subcontract, or preparing deliverables, this tool will help you spot red flags before they become revenue killers. Created by the IP Firm That Knows Federal Contracts Martensen IP is not a generalist firm dabbling in patents. We have built a reputation as The Law Firm for Innovative Companies working in sensitive, high-stakes government and commercial environments. Our attorneys understand how to translate IP strategy into real-world protections that stand up in federal contracting and commercial scenarios. Download the Checklist Before You Submit Another Proposal Don't wait until an auditor or exit negotiation reveals you've given away more than you realized. Equip your team with this essential tool today and protect the value you've worked so hard to build. Download the Essential IP Checklist now About Martensen IP At the intersection of business, law and technology, Martensen understands the tools of IP. Martensen knows the business of IP. We understand the tech market, especially when the government is a customer, and we know how to plan, assess, and adjust. Patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licenses are our tools. Martensen IP Media Contact Source: Release ID: 1725655