Quick answer
Founder IP assignment should identify existing and future startup assets, assign them to the entity, cover moral rights and further assurances where relevant, and require handover of accounts, repositories, passwords, domains, and source files.
At a glance
Founders often assume that if they created something for the startup, the company automatically owns it. That assumption can be risky. Code, design, brand names, domains, pitch decks, videos, content, product notes, customer lists, and internal templates may legally sit with the individual creator unless properly assigned. IP assignment is especially important before fundraising, onboarding co-founders, hiring developers, appointing agencies, or selling the business.
Founder IP assignment should identify existing and future startup assets, assign them to the entity, cover moral rights and further assurances where relevant, and require handover of accounts, repositories, passwords, domains, and source files.
- Assign pre-incorporation IP
- Cover code, brand, data, and content
- Control domains and repositories
- Align with founder and consultant agreements
What IP Should Founders Assign?
The assignment should cover all business-related work created for the startup. That can include software code, UI/UX files, designs, logos, trade names, pitch decks, written content, scripts, videos, databases, customer lists, social media accounts, domain names, strategy documents, SOPs, and templates.
Pre-Incorporation IP Is Often Missed
Many startups build the product, brand, pitch deck, and website before the company is incorporated. Once the entity is formed, founders should assign that pre-incorporation work to the company so the business owns what it says it owns.
Freelancers and Agencies Create IP Risk Too
If an external developer, designer, marketer, or consultant created work for the startup, the founder assignment alone may not be enough. The vendor or freelancer agreement should include IP assignment, confidentiality, source-file handover, and originality obligations.
Why Investors Care About IP Assignment
Investor diligence often asks whether the company owns its core product and brand. If founders or contractors personally own key assets, the investment may be delayed until the ownership chain is cleaned up.
When to Review This
- Founder-created product or brand assets
- Pre-incorporation work needs assignment
- Preparing for investor due diligence
- Contractors created startup IP