Am I moonlighting?

[Nell Plotts]

Whether or not your startup is registered is irrelevant, it is INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY you need to protect. The fact that the work you will be doing for another employer is related doesn't protect you.

I know enough about VC to know that the first thing an VC investor asks about is patent protection.

Usually, if you get a referral from your local bar association, your first hour with an attorney is relatively cheap. Meet with one and listen to the expert's advice.

[SmartMoney]

Originally Posted by SVTLightning

You would have to be careful because you don't want to get into a situation where your own company comes up with something amazing but the company you are working for tries to claim since you worked for them they have proprietary rights over it. Talk to a lawyer first if you are serious with your startup.

+2 what he said

ALSO: be very careful about any statements you give in the future, including any webpage statements about when you and your friend started this up. If you do hit it with something big and it comes out it was developed while in someone else's employ, they will come after you. It's human nature for you or family to want to toot your horn, but be very careful here. And be careful who you confide in.