Along this above list the following pointer would be of great help to early start-ups to avoid the unnecessary litigation cropping up.

i) Business Registration: Formation of business entity as soon as possible which helps in governance of the affairs of the business and
shareholding pattern or partnership aspects depending upon the type of business entity.

ii) Co-founder Agreement: It is imperative to well drafted Agreement in writing if the start-up has partner/s. Co-founders disputes can be ugly as
well as elementary many a times to destroy whole business. Clearly defining the role of each of each founder is must along with profit and loss
sharing.

Pre-determined exist strategies in case of disagreement or conflict or otherwise breach of terms agreed prior business transaction is very
helpful instead leading to litigation and fighting with one another. Blame game and adversarial approaches can be avoided to an extent via this co-founder agreement.

iii) Written Agreements: For businesses it is imperative to have written agreement for all the transactions. Verbal agreements and oral business
understandings lacks clarity, many a times terms will be vague, scope for miscommunication and misunderstanding is more. This lack of clarity
and vagueness mostly boosts conflicts thereby business end ups in adversarial position leading to unwanted litigations. Also consider negotiating the agreement before executing to avoid having conflict later stage.

iv) Think Before Ink: Understand prior signing each document is must. Not only written agreements but it is equally important to understand the
agreement or any other document fully prior signing them. Whenever you find any term of the agreement unclear then discuss on that and
make sure what it means to your business. Don’t assume and presume the terms of agreement. Take professional help as and when required in
this regard especially commercial lawyers or business lawyers will be great of help.

v) Follow law beyond checklist: It is must to know which laws are applicable to your business, may sectoral or otherwise. Once you know
what are compliance’s you need to follow abide by it but don’t try to come with short cuts or ways to avoid the laws. Messing around the law like
inviting the trouble if not now but in the future. Whenever the law is not clear then don’t try to excuse but go with best business practices.

vi) Manage IP: Protecting your intellectual property is crucial which act as shield to your business. In order to protect IP, identify the IP and
wherever required register it. Strategize your decisions on trade secrets prior. Utilise Non discloser Agreements prior disclosures and avoid
misuse of IPs by others including your own employees. Protecting IP also helps against third party infringement actions.

III) Takeaways and Suggestions: Avoid the litigation as far possible and make this as integral part of your business culture and business
decision. Don’t assume or presume things unless you clear as to what it means to you and your business. Also don’t consider of involving the
lawyers only after dispute to fight your cases in court of law but involve business lawyers from day one of your business during day-to-day
operations of business to avoid unnecessary litigation.