Turning Intellectual Property into Revenue
For startups and founders, a patent is not a trophy; it is a financial instrument. However, mere ownership of a patent or trademark does not guarantee financial success. To survive the "Valley of Death" and reach profitability, you must monetize your assets.
At the R. Baca Law Firm, we view Intellectual Property as a business asset first and a legal concept second. We assist in managing product-based business IP portfolios to maximize their value through Strategic Licensing, Commercialization, and Technology Transfer. We act as your strategic partner, helping you structure deals that turn your "paper assets" into recurring revenue streams.
Core Commercialization Services
1. Technology Transfer & Joint Ventures
We bridge the gap between private industry, universities, and national laboratories.
- Joint Research Ventures: We structure agreements for collaborative R&D, including CRADAs (Cooperative Research and Development Agreements) with national labs, drawing on our Managing Member’s experience at Sandia National Laboratories.
- University Spinoffs: We navigate the complex landscape of university technology transfer (AUTM), ensuring that startups spinning out of academic institutions have clear title and commercialization rights.
- Cross-Border Partnerships: We serve as a key partner for U.S. startups entering Latin America and vice versa. We are partnered with the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey ("Monterrey Tech") to facilitate the exchange of innovative ideas and joint ventures between the Americas.
2. Digital & SaaS Licensing
For software startups, "licensing" is the business model. We ensure your agreements are scalable and secure.
- SaaS & Cloud Agreements: We draft and negotiate Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Cloud Computing contracts that define data ownership, uptime liability, and user rights.
- Open Source Strategy: We advise on Open Source licensing compliance to prevent "viral" code from contaminating your proprietary software stack—a critical step for protecting valuation.
- Smart Contracts & Web3: We provide advanced advisement on Blockchain, NFTs, and Smart Contract protocols, ensuring your decentralized assets are legally enforceable.
3. International Import/Export & Franchising
We help startups scale their physical footprint globally.
- The "Americas" Gateway: We advise on the import/export of technology-based products, from medical supplies to oil & gas equipment, utilizing our affiliate offices in Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil to handle transactions at the "speed of business."
- Franchising: We assist with Business Franchising and licensing structures, helping you replicate your business model across borders while maintaining brand consistency.
- Manufacturing & Distribution: We connect entrepreneurs with manufacturing resources and negotiate distribution agreements that protect your IP in foreign jurisdictions.
Why Founders Choose Us for Commercialization
- Entrepreneurial DNA: Our Managing Member, Rafael "Rafa" Baca, is an active Silicon Valley entrepreneur, angel investor, and "Texas Wildcatter." He understands that the goal of a startup is to sell products, not just file patents.
- Technical Depth: We negotiate deals in highly technical fields—from biomedical protein engineering to semiconductor wafer fabrication—because our team includes MDs, PhDs, and Engineers who understand the value of the technology being licensed.
- Global Reach: Our multicultural team negotiates complex commercial deals in Spanish, Portuguese, and French, removing the friction from international expansion.
