Are you nearing your 4th quarter of life and looking to secure your business legacy or start a new venture? Understanding and protecting your intellectual property (IP) is more crucial than you might think. In this episode, I talk with Matthew Asbell about the complexities of IP in the business world, a topic that holds real significance for entrepreneurs over 50. We discuss the essence of IP, encompassing creative works and branding, and its critical role in ensuring the value and uniqueness of a business. This knowledge is vital not just to safeguard your life's work as you approach retirement, but also for embarking on new endeavors.The conversation also includes the practicalities of protecting intangible assets like expertise and knowledge. The hosts stress the importance of legally documenting intellectual property, cautioning against simplistic methods that might not hold up legally. For seasoned business owners contemplating the sale of their ventures, or those venturing into new business ideas, understanding the nuances of IP rights, especially in the context of international expansion, becomes critical. We talk about the necessity of a strategic approach to IP, aligning with business growth and planning, especially in the later stages of your career.Matthew Asbell is an attorney practicing intellectual property (IP) law. IP is the one thing that ties together everything that he is passionate about, whether media and technology, entertainment and publishing, the natural sciences, or international culture, language, and travel. He believes IP is about encouraging, protecting, and monetizing creativity, whether in the form of an artistic work, a business venture, or a technological invention. As an attorney handling U.S. and international rights, he also greatly appreciates the opportunity to work with people from all over the world, and to practice his Portuguese from time to time!Matthew is also the host of the INTANGIFY podcast about the intangible aspects of business. http://www.talkradio.nyc/shows/intangifyYou'll find Matthew here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/masbell/To learn more, visit:www.servingstrong.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:www.missionmatters.com/author/scott-couchenour