- Failing to incorporate early enough.
- Issuing founder shares without vesting.
- Hiring a lawyer not experienced in dealing with entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.
- Failing to make a timely Section 83(b) election.
- Negotiating venture capital financing based solely on the valuation.
- Waiting to consider international intellectual property protection.
- Disclosing inventions without a nondisclosure agreement, or before the patent application is filed.
- Starting a business while employed by a potential competitor, or hiring employees without first checking their agreements with the current employer and their knowledge of trade secrets.
- Promising more in the business plan than can be delivered and failing to comply with state and federal securities laws.
- Thinking any legal problems can be solved later.
[4.95]