📘 Patents 101: What Startups Need to Know
Join us for a practical session on how to protect your ideas, products, and technology with patents. Led by patent attorney Alexander Franco, this event breaks down the basics—from provisional filings and patent claims to IP strategies that actually matter when you're building and fundraising. Whether you're working on AI, software, hardware, or something in between, this is your crash course in turning innovation into real, defensible value.
✅ What You’ll Learn
What a patent actually protects—and what it doesn’t
The difference between provisional, utility, and design patents
Patent claims and how they work
How patents can strengthen your fundraising story
When it makes sense to file—and when it doesn’t
Strategy recommendations for the startup
Working with AI tools and IP
Common mistakes founders make with IP
🔥 Bring your burning questions.
Presenters:
Alexander Franco, Patent Attorney at Outside General Counsel LLC, has over 20 years of experience developing and managing patent portfolios in the high-tech industry. As a patent attorney with an MBA, he brings a business and finance-oriented perspective to the protection of his clients’ intellectual property. Alex’s practice includes patent preparation and prosecution, domestic and foreign patent portfolio management, and patent strategy for startup to mid-sized organizations.
About OGC:
For over 20 years, we've partnered with businesses of all sizes and industries to provide legal solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients. Our innovative practice model connects former general counsels with small-to-medium sized companies without in-house legal support and with large enterprises seeking additional bench strength. With affordable rates and market-leading service, OGC offers a legal solution that works.
About The Fourth Effect:
We help startups scale faster and fundraise smarter by helping you build, and leverage high-impact advisory and governing boards and connect you with top-tier, game-changing advisors, board directors, and investors.
📚 Build Strong Boards – Access educational programming, templates, and guides to create effective advisory and governing boards.
🎯 Match with Industry Experts – Connect with 2,900+ senior executives (C-Suite, GCs, VPs) ready to support your growth.
💰 Unlock Funding Opportunities – Get direct access to 150+ Angels and VCs.
🤝 Leverage a Powerful Peer Network – Join a community of 800+ startups to share insights, strategies, and connections.
Build smarter, scale faster, and fundraise better with the right board and investors by your side.
💡 Learn more at a platform tour.
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