DC Startup & Tech Week 2026

Your startup doesn't need more IP. It needs the right IP.

Founders often ask me:
“Should I patent this?”
“When should I file a trademark?”
“Do I need a patent search first?”
“Is this something I should keep as a trade secret?”

Those are important questions—but I think there is an important question that comes first:

What are you trying to accomplish with the IP?

As we head toward DC Startup & Tech Week (DCSTW) next week from October 19-23, I'm kicking off a short series around a framework I call P.L.A.Y. Your IP:

P — Protect: What gives your company a competitive advantage?
L — Leverage: How can the IP strengthen your position?
A — Align: Does the investment support where your business is going?
Y — Yield: What business result should the IP produce?

Over the next few weeks, I'll use PLAY to look at practical decisions founders face around patents, trademarks, searches, trade secrets and prosecution as their companies grow.

The goal isn't to own the most IP; It is to own the right IP—and know how to use it.

If you are heading to DC Startup & Tech Week, I hope to see you there!

#PLAYYourIP #DCSTW #Startups #IPStrategy #Patents #Trademarks