This Week in Startups Employment Agreement deep dive: IP assignment, offer letters, side hustles & more with Becki DeGraw | Wilson Sonsini Startup Legal Basics
Dec 10, 2020
Becki DeGraw, a startup lawyer at Wilson Sonsini, dives into the nitty-gritty of employment agreements and intellectual property. She highlights the dangers of informal arrangements in startups, stressing that clear, written documents are crucial. DeGraw discusses the implications of non-compete clauses for side hustlers and shares personal insights into the emotional toll of IP theft. Finally, she emphasizes the importance of transparency in legal dealings to build investor trust. A must-listen for anyone navigating the startup landscape!
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Get a Lawyer
- Get a great lawyer early on, especially for employment agreements.
- Handshake or email agreements are not legally binding and can lead to disputes.
Partnership Nuances
- Partnership agreements require clear documentation of stock ownership, leadership, and vesting terms.
- Oral agreements about partnerships can be vague and lead to misunderstandings.
Formalize Agreements
- Formalize agreements in writing and have them reviewed by all parties.
- Have all employees sign an at-will employment agreement on their first day.