Turning "Ideas" into "Investable Assets"
Investors do not fund "good ideas"; they fund scalable assets and defensible market positions. For early-stage startups, your Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio is often the only tangible asset on your balance sheet.
At the R. Baca Law Firm, we understand the high-stakes environment of Venture Capital and Angel Investing because we live in it. Our Managing Member, Rafael "Rafa" Baca, is an active Silicon Valley entrepreneur and angel investor himself. We help founders bridge the gap between "innovation" and "valuation," preparing your company for the rigorous scrutiny of a funding round.
The "Due Diligence" Defense Package
Before a VC writes a check, they will tear apart your legal structure. We proactively "clean" your IP house to ensure you pass Due Diligence with flying colors.
1. IP Audits & Chain of Title
- The Problem: Founders often accidentally leave IP rights with contractors or universities.
- The Solution: We conduct comprehensive IP Audits to ensure a clean "Chain of Title." We review employment agreements, assignment clauses, and non-competes to confirm that the company—not the ex-cofounder—owns the technology.
2. Financial Valuation of IP Assets
- The Question: "What is your IP actually worth?"
- The Answer: We provide legal counseling regarding the financial valuation of your technology assets. Whether for a balance sheet, a merger, or a Series A negotiation, we help you articulate the monetary value of your "Secret Sauce."
3. Freedom to Operate (FTO) & Risk Mitigation
- The Fear: Investors are terrified of lawsuits.
- The Assurance: We provide Freedom to Operate (FTO) opinions and "Design-Around" strategies. By mapping your technology against competitor patents, we give investors the confidence that your product has a clear legal path to market.
Tech-Specific Readiness: AI, SaaS & Data
For modern software startups, "IP" is more than just patents; it is Compliance. Investors are increasingly wary of regulatory debt.
- AI Governance: As leaders in Artificial Intelligence Law, we certify that your algorithms comply with emerging regulations (like the Digital Deputy Act) regarding bias and liability.
- Data Privacy (GDPR/CCPA): We ensure your data architecture is compliant by design (ISO 27001), removing a major red flag for institutional investors.
- SaaS & Cloud Agreements: We structure your commercial licensing and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to maximize recurring revenue valuation.
Strategic Filing for Lean Startups
You need to show traction without burning your entire runway.
- The "Patent Pending" Signal: We utilize Provisional Patent Applications to secure an early priority date under the First-Inventor-to-File system. This gives you "Patent Pending" status for 12 months—enough time to pitch investors and validate the market before expensive examination fees kick in.
- Global Scaling: We manage International (PCT) filings to keep your options open for global expansion (Europe, Asia, Latin America) without immediate upfront costs.
Why Founders & Investors Trust Us
- We Are Investors: Rafa Baca’s background as an angel investor means we anticipate the questions VCs will ask before they ask them.
- The "Americas" Gateway: We position your startup for cross-border growth. Our affiliate network in Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil demonstrates to investors that you have a scalable international strategy.
- Technical Depth: We put MDs, PhDs, and Engineers in the room. When technical due diligence teams drill down into your microprocessor architecture or protein engineering, we answer at their level.
