Definition
Design Patent
Protects how something looks; typically easier to interpret and litigate.
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Defensive PublicationA deliberate strategy of publicly disclosing an invention without filing a patent, specifically to create prior art that prevents competitors from obtaining a patent on the same idea. The disclosing party waives any future patent rights but ensures no one else can obtain them either — the invention effectively enters the public domain immediately. Used when a company wants to operate freely in a technical space without the cost, time commitment, or disclosure-and-expiry constraints of a patent. Ophir describes this as one of SenseIP's emerging capabilities: helping companies identify which portions of their IP to publish defensively rather than patent.Delaware C CorpThe default entity structure for startups planning to raise venture capital.Design partnerAn early customer who helps shape a product, often in exchange for access and influence.Design Partner ProgramAn early-access cohort of customers who help shape a product in exchange for founder-level pricing and direct access to the builder. Chime's program caps at 25 seats at $39/month locked in for life.DilutionThe reduction in existing shareholders' ownership percentage that occurs when a company issues new shares, typically during a funding round.Direct Public Offering (DPO)Listing existing shares on an exchange without raising new capital. Shareholder to shareholder trading, no IPO roadshow.Distribution on Cap TableGiving equity — not just commissions — to people who already have relationships, access, and trust inside your target market. Not hiring salespeople after the product is built, but recruiting co-builders who are already known inside the networks you need to reach. Josh Furstoss's first checkbox before starting any new company.Dual-Sided MarketplaceA platform that must simultaneously attract and serve two distinct user groups whose participation depends on the other side being present. In Luxxera's case: patients and clinics.