Be aware of special considerations: This is especially when a contractor is overseas. Most startups seek the help of independent contractor services most of which are provided by companies oversees. Hence a startup must be aware of the kind of IP it sends overseas. An IP that cannot be lost at any cost must not be sent.. since it can be stolen by countries having weak laws for IP, a good example for this being China. It is best to select a domestic company if an independent contractor is needed to create or use an IP which is most critical  Protecting Trade Secrets of the Company: Any startup company should be aware of the information’s in the company that constitute real trade secrets. Also care should be taken to record and file away this secret information. Awareness when patents are registered online: Some entrepreneurs who file their own registration make the mistake of identifying their own names in the copyright. In the case of owners of trademark property owners should select the right class of trademarks to which their mark applies to.