There are few greater challenges than starting a company from scratch but the rewards for taking a great idea or innovation and turning it into a successful business are substantial. At their inception, new companies grow quickly, driven by the dedication of owners and their will to make them profitable, but usually with limited financial resources. In order to become established and find a strong position within the market, startups need to attract external investment.
During the first months of a company’s operation, owners face numerous challenges including the intellectual property system which can be both daunting and unintelligible in equal measure. The different rights available to inventors, the borderline of patentability, portfolio management and renewals can present confusing scenarios for new businesses. At Keltie, our team of skilled professionals are here to guide you every step of the way - navigating the complexities and nuances to give you the maximum protection possible for your valuable invention or creation.
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We love to get involved with client projects at their very outset. This gives us a deep understanding of the creative processes you have been through to bring your creation to market and means we can offer the best advice in terms of protecting your investment. Our approach is to mentor and work in partnership with our clients, as well as advising them on the best course of action to ensure they benefit from their efforts.
Keltie has been working with companies in their early stages for over thirty years, having been a startup in 1988 when David Keltie and Rosemary Cardas set up the firm, with great plans for the future. We are happy that they succeeded and we have never forgotten the hard work and dedication that it takes to develop a firm foundation for future growth.
It is for this reason that we particularly enjoy working with startups and we take great satisfaction in helping support early stage companies to help them become successful businesses. Marrying the passion and drive of startups with our expertise and years of experience delivers the ideal blend to bring your new venture to life.
Keltie’s work in the startup sector includes:
Whilst every startup is different, many face common challenges in the availability of time and financial resources. The Keltie approach is to be as creative as budgets allow, focusing on ensuring we maximise value in a way that supports the commercial objectives of your company.
Our attorneys take time to understand your business and help you to learn quickly about the intellectual property rights that are most relevant to your growth plans. We are proud to work with many serial entrepreneurs, investors and accelerator programs on multiple businesses. Even more than that, we are delighted that so many of our clients have continued to turn to us from their first tentative days through to global expansion many years later. This highlights the personal, relationship-driven culture we pride ourselves upon where we become an extension of our clients’ business, rather than an outsourced, third-party service.
Our approach focuses on putting together the best team of attorneys for your business’ needs from our diverse talent pool to ensure your intellectual property portfolio is planned, executed and maintained to the highest standards to safeguard your rights.
Our IP Guide for Start-ups offers practical advice to help you understand, protect, and make the most of your IP, especially as you're starting out. Download our IP Guide for Start-ups here
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Leading the way in advanced materials IP: Q&A with Emily WealThis year, Keltie’s materials practice received Gold in the Financial Times annual European Patent Rankings. This is a high-profile and influential award voted for by clients. Yet, the FT listings are more than an industry accolade; they’re a reflection of trust. A Gold award is a powerful signal that a firm delivers strong legal outcomes and also supports innovation in a way that works for businesses. For Keltie’s materials team, this means combining scientific and legal expertise with practical advice tailored to each client’s stage of growth and commercial focus.
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