Start-ups should have a plan to protect any Intellectual Property (IP) that they develop before and during the start-up operation and of course as the business entity grows.  Doing so, however, is not always easy because putting IP protection in place takes money, and money is scarce in the beginning stages of any business entity.  That being said, not all IP must be secured by preparing and filing applications, such as trademark applications (the US and/or International), non-provisional utility or design patent applications (the US and/or International), applications to register copyrights, all of which require some monetary outlay.  Only patent rights must be secured by a formal application process, which should be started as soon as possible. You have common law rights to your works of authorship and common law rights to trademarks or service marks that you use in commerce in association with respective goods of services inherently under the common law. That being said, there are substantial benefits to registering your trademarks and copyrights.  Feel free to call and discuss by phone.