Startups
The agreements a startup signs in its first few years are the ones investors and acquirers examine most closely. A missing IP assignment, an unclear university license, or a one-sided first customer contract can slow a financing or reduce what your company is worth.
Apex Legal helps founders and emerging companies build on a clean foundation. We make sure your company owns what it builds, help you negotiate the early deals that establish your market, and prepare your technology assets to hold up under investor diligence.
IP and technology counsel for emerging companies
What we handle
IP ownership.
Founder IP assignments, employee and contractor invention assignment agreements, and cleanup of gaps in the chain of title.
Early commercial agreements.
First customer agreements, pilot and proof-of-concept agreements, and standard contract templates your team can use as you grow.
Licensing and partnerships.
In-licenses from universities and other companies, development partnerships, and strategic relationships with larger companies.
Investor readiness.
IP audits before a financing, responses to investor diligence requests, and advice on IP representations in investment documents.
Data, AI, and privacy.
Privacy policies, terms of service, data processing agreements, and terms for AI tools and data your product relies on.
Who we work with
We represent founders and startups from formation through growth, including university spinouts and venture-backed companies in software, life sciences, and other technology-driven industries.
Our approach
Startups need counsel that fits their stage and budget. We focus on the issues that matter most for your next milestone, explain the trade-offs in plain terms, and offer subscription and flat-fee arrangements so you can plan your legal spend with confidence.
Related practice areas:
Building something new?
Contact us to discuss how we can support your company.