IP commercialization readiness worksheet
The IP commercialization readiness worksheet helps deep-tech founders frame what exists, what is protected and what needs proof.
Use it before contacting a studio, adviser, partner, investor or grant path. The aim is to make the first conversation sharper without sending confidential technical details too early.
The readiness questions
What exists now?
Name the asset: prototype, model, data, research result, design, process, material, algorithm, device, workflow or team knowledge.
What might become a product?
Describe the possible user, buyer, job to be done and context of use. Keep it practical.
Where does IP matter?
Identify which parts of the work may affect ownership, defensibility, licensing, confidentiality or partner conversations.
Which risk needs proof first?
Choose the first risk that could block the next step: technical, product, IP, market, partner, regulatory, grant or funding risk.
What is the next useful conversation?
Decide whether the next conversation should be with a studio, customer, partner, legal adviser, grant specialist, investor or technical reviewer.
Use the worksheet as a contact brief
- Do not share unpublished patent claims, sensitive documents, trade secrets or technical details that should stay confidential.
- Send only enough context to understand the decision you are trying to make.
- Use a qualified legal or patent professional for formal IP decisions.
- Read the IP strategy for startups guide if you need a fuller founder-side view before using this worksheet.