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FOR STARTUPS
IP Support for Startups
Accelerate Your Business with Intellectual Property Strategies Tailored to Your Growth Phase
Consultation Process
Initial Consultation (Free)
We will discuss your business operations, technology, and brand to identify intellectual property risks and opportunities. This session takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour and is conducted online.
IP Assessment Report
We conduct competitor analysis and prior art searches, then compile a report outlining priority IP strategies and estimated costs.
Implementation of IP Strategy
We handle patent, trademark, and design applications, draft contracts, and establish internal systems. We also provide support for securing government grants.
Ongoing IP Management
We review your IP portfolio in line with business growth and assist with IP due diligence during fundraising, M&A, and IPOs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. My product hasn’t been released yet. Do I need to take IP measures?
Yes. Since “novelty” is a requirement for patent applications, you must file before publicly releasing the product or publishing a paper. Trademarks are also first-come, first-served, so we recommend conducting a search and filing as soon as you decide on a service name.
Q. My budget is limited. Where should I start?
At a minimum, we recommend starting with two steps: (1) filing a trademark application for your service or brand name, and (2) conducting a search to ensure you are not infringing on others’ rights. Since you only need to request examination of a patent application within three years, a strategy of filing the application first and conducting the examination after securing funding is also effective.
Q. What will VCs ask during IP due diligence?
They will primarily verify: (1) your company’s IP portfolio (status of patent and trademark applications), (2) the risk of infringing on others’ rights, (3) whether you have employee invention regulations in place, (4) compliance with OSS licenses, and (5) your trade secret management system. Preparing these in advance will make the due diligence process go more smoothly.
Q. Can I reduce IP costs using government grants?
Yes. There are several IP-related grants available for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. The Overseas Application Support Program (Japan Patent Office) subsidizes half of the costs for foreign patent applications (up to 1.5 million to 3 million yen). You can also utilize IP grants offered by local governments. Evolix provides support for these applications.
Related Services
Patent Services
Build barriers to entry
through patent applications for core technologies
Trademark Services
Secure peace of mind by registering service names
and brands as trademarks
Madpro Applications
International Trademark Applications
for Global Expansion
Related Blog Posts
Here are some blog posts to help with your startup’s IP strategy.
Startups, Fundraising, and Intellectual Property
Good for Fundraising? 3 Benefits of Early Patent Filing for IT Startups
Explaining the importance of an IP portfolio—a key consideration for VCs and investors—and the benefits of early filing.
[Congratulations on NASDAQ Listing] Our client, TryHard, has listed on the U.S. market
A case study of a startup supported by Evolix in the area of intellectual property that went public.
AI & Software Patents
How to Obtain Business Model Patents
The basics and filing strategies for business model patents, which are crucial for SaaS and web services.
Examination Standards and Practical Considerations for AI-Related Patents
A patent attorney explains key points to consider when filing patent applications for AI and machine learning inventions.
Can ChatGPT’s Prompt Generation Technology Be Patented?
Learn patenting strategies for AI inventions through real-world patent cases.
A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining Patents for IoT-Related Technologies
Examination Standards and Case Studies for Patent Applications for IoT Devices and Systems.
Survey of Patent Cases Related to ESG Software
Patent Trends in Sustainability-Related Software
AR/VR-Related Patent Case Studies
Recent Patent Application Trends in the Metaverse and XR Fields.
UI/UX and Design Protection
Case Studies on Mixed IP Protection — UI/UX
Case Study: Comprehensive Protection of UI/UX Combining Patents, Designs, and Trademarks.
Design Registration Cases for UI Screen Designs
How to Protect UI Designs for Apps and Web Services with Design Rights.
Design Protection Case Study — Graphic Designs
Methods for protecting GUIs, icons, and screen transitions through design rights.
Patent Case Studies on Mobile/Web UI Technologies
Research Report on Recent Patent Applications Related to UI Technology.
Trademark and Brand Protection
Trademarks and Brands: The Necessity of Trademark Registration
Why Is It Necessary to Register a Brand Name as a Trademark? An Explanation from the Basics.
[Definitive Guide] List of Trademark Classes & Selection Guide
For Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide to Selecting Trademark Classes and the Registration Process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trademark Registration
A patent attorney explains common questions regarding trademark registration costs, duration, and procedures.
[Trademark Basics] Can’t You Register a Trademark Without “Distinctiveness”?
A clear explanation of "distinctiveness," the most important concept in trademark registration.
Cost Reduction & Subsidies
New Fee Reduction and Exemption System for Startups, SMEs, and Sole Proprietors
Significantly reduce intellectual property costs for startups through the Japan Patent Office’s fee reduction and exemption system.
Patent Stamp Duty Reduction System
Overview and How to Use the Fee Reduction System for Patent Applications and Requests for Examination.
[A Strong Ally for Global Expansion] INPIT Foreign Application Grants
Receive up to 3 million yen in grants to cover overseas application costs.
Super Early Examination Recommended by Patent Attorneys
Obtain a patent in as little as a few weeks. An early examination system ideal for startups.
Risk Management and Infringement Prevention
The Importance of Infringement Prevention Research (FTO/Clearance Searches)
Essential checks of third-party rights before product release.
The Complete Guide to "Infringement Prevention Investigations (FTO)" You Should Conduct Before App Release
A Comprehensive Guide to Identifying and Mitigating Patent Infringement Risks.
Tips for Identifying IP-Infringing Products on E-Commerce Platforms
How to Find and Address Counterfeit Versions of Your Products on E-commerce Sites.
What Is the Difference Between an Investigation Report, an Expert Opinion, and a Legal Opinion?
A thorough explanation of the purposes and proper use of various documents for intellectual property risk management.
Global Expansion
A Guide to Intellectual Property Strategies That Determine the Success of Your Import/Export Business
A Comprehensive Guide to Essential Patent, Trademark, and Design Protection for Global Expansion.
The Complete Guide to "Trademark Registration of Company Names" for a Successful Entry into China
From Deciding on a Chinese Name to Costs and Timelines.
Consulting with a Patent Attorney
[Supervised by a Patent Attorney] 5 Optimal Times to Seek Consultation
"When Should You Consult a Patent Attorney?" An Explanation of the Best Timing.
Should Trademark Rights Be Registered Under an Individual or a Corporation?
Common Questions During the Startup Phase: Pros and Cons of Individual vs. Corporate Ownership.
IP Consultations for Startups
"Not sure where to start?" No problem. Feel free to consult
with us first through our free initial consultation.
Support for Other Industries
View IP strategies tailored to your industry