Forbes on why startups need patents

Forbes gives a list of reasons of "why" start-ups need patents:

1. Patents facilitate venture capital investment.
2. Patents can help a startup defend itself against attacks by incumbent rivals.
3. Patents can help a startup stop the theft of its innovations by larger rivals.
4. Patents can ensure a startup’s freedom to operate.
5. Patents can help a startup rapidly increase its market share.
6. Patents can help startups form joint ventures and R&D partnerships.
7. Patents can increase the chances that a startup will be acquired.
8. Patents can help a startup get ready for an IPO.
9. Startups with intellectual property achieve greater long-term success than startups without it.
10. Patents can help a startup launch a billion-dollar empire

link: http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesleadershipforum/2015/08/18/the-top-10-reasons-why-your-startup-needs-patents/