Whilst some startups may seek to apply for IP protection, it is not often from a full perspective of all the technical, legal and commercial angles necessary.

Very often scientists and developers will know where the respective R&D and product competition lies – however they overlook the IP competition – that is the design and patent applications that have already been filed that are not yet evident in the literature or marketplace.

This competing IP is often a real threat – not just to the success of the start-ups product, but also to the potential for infringement and freedom for the start up to actually produce their product.

Credit: https://minutehack.com/guides/some-surprisingly-interesting-facts-about-intellectual-property