Machine Minds
Machine Minds - the minds behind the machines! This is the show where we dive deep into the intricate worlds of robotics, AI, and Hard Tech. In each episode, we bring you intimate conversations with the founders, investors, and trailblazers who are at the heart of these tech revolutions. We dig into their journeys, the challenges they've overcome, and the breakthroughs that are shaping our future. Join us as we explore how these machine minds are transforming the way we live, work, and understand our world.
Machine Minds
Episode 107 | Trusted Counsel for Visionaries | Ryan Smith
Ryan and I dig into the legal backbone founders skip until it hurts—how to build an IP strategy that actually matches your business, when patents vs. trade secrets make sense, and why a “north star” patent plan should track where you’re going in 5–10 years, not just what you’re shipping today. We also get into the investor lens on patents (signal, diligence transparency, and moat), what happens to IP if the company pivots—or even shuts down—and why a fractional or early GC can save you 10x the pain later.
Highlights:
- IP isn’t one-size-fits-all: robotics ≠ SaaS. Start from your future state, not a template.
-Don’t only patent the v1 widget—protect the core tech that will power versions 2, 3, and 10.
- Patents can be marketing and diligence assets, not just litigation shields.
- Regulatory fog ahead: safety (robots), privacy and training data (AI). Plan under uncertainty.
- Practical hiring tip: bring legal in early (even part-time) so the CEO/CFO aren’t playing quarterback.
Learn more about Wilson Sonsini: https://www.wsgr.com/
Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-smith-9874176/
Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/