Sessions · Advisor session
IP Basics for Startup Founders with Zack Ruby, Scale LLP
Friday, October 17, 2025 · 12:30–1:30 PM PDT
This session has ended.
About this session
IP Basics: Building Your Startup's Intellectual Property Strategy
Demystify intellectual property for your startup. This practical session breaks down the fundamentals: what patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets actually protect, which parts of your business need which type of IP protection, and what each option realistically costs. Learn how to prioritize your IP investments strategically, avoid common pitfalls, and build a defensible IP position without breaking the bank.
Perfect for early stage founders who need to make smart decisions about protecting their innovations, brand, and competitive advantages—even on a limited budget.
Hosting this session
Zack Ruby
Counsel-IP Litigation, Scale LLP
Zach is an accomplished trial and appellate litigator who focuses his practice on advising clients in high-stakes intellectual property and general litigation disputes. He has experience litigating cases before the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Federal and Ninth Circuits, the International Trade Commission, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, as well as various district courts and arbitration panels. Zach brings outside-the-box solutions to his clients’ legal problems and has won several issues of first impression including the first-ever bench trial on the issue of IPR estoppel. Beyond litigation, Zach counsels clients about intellectual property issues and endeavors to help pair them with other partners to help their businesses grow and thrive.
Zach is passionate about startups, technology, and progress. When not at work, he enjoys participating in local meetups for startup companies and tech talks.
Recognition
Recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyer’s Magazine 2020 – 2024
Next step
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For companies that have raised at least $1M from venture firms.