Navigating Intellectual Property for University Spin-outs & Startups: Scaling with Value and Global Reach

This integrated workshop helps both research-based spin-outs and market-facing startups to understand how IP drives value, forms the basis for investment readiness, and connects to international expansion. Drawing on real-world examples from Australia and globally, the session will explore how patents, trade marks, designs and confidential information can be leveraged to:

• Protect and commercialise university-based innovations
• Build brand and technology defensibility for wider markets
• Inform partnerships between startups, the university and international collaborators
• Make IP, an enabler for Australia-India (and beyond) opportunities

Key Topics

Translating Research into Commercial Value

• How spin-outs should approach IP right from early research disclosures
• Aligning university tech-transfer, startup founders and investors

IP Fundamentals for Founders

• What to protect and when — patent vs trade mark vs design
• Cost-efficient IP strategies for spin-outs and early startups

Investor & Partner-Ready IP Portfolios

• What investors and industry partners expect from spin-outs and startups
• Conducting IP due diligence with cross-border ambitions

International & Cross-Border Strategy: India ↔ Australia

• Collaboration frameworks between universities, industry and governments
• Filing and enforcement strategy across jurisdictions
• Case studies of Australia-India startup/IP pathways

Q&A

• Open discussion with faculty/commercialisation staff and founders
• Real-time scenario exploration from your teams at VentureStudio
• Optional short one-on-one advisory slots for selected teams/ideas

Outcomes for Participants

• Understand IP strategy from spin-out inception through fundraising and global scaling
• Be equipped with practical steps and a checklist to protect and exploit IP
• Recognise how leveraging IP can enhance investor confidence and global collaboration
• Be aware of specific Australia–India cross-border opportunities for startups and spin-outs