Top 10 Contract Mistakes That Can Sink Your Startup

As AI startups scale, contracts become a critical part of protecting intellectual property, technology, and commercial relationships. In this session, Snell & Wilmer attorneys Eli Mansour and Monique Torres will walk through the top 10 contract mistakes that can sink your startup, with a focus on the unique challenges facing AI and emerging technology companies.

You will learn:
• How to structure NDAs to protect proprietary technology and trade secrets, and mistakes that can undermine enforceability
• Why IP assignment agreements with founders, employees, and contractors are essential—and pitfalls to avoid, including institutional entanglements
• Key provisions for employment and contractor agreements, including assignment grants and required statutory language
• How to structure proof-of-concept and evaluation agreements to prevent IP leakage and unintended rights transfers
• Best practices for customer and commercial agreements, including warranties, liability caps, and IP protections
• Common licensing mistakes, including poorly defined scope and unclear derivative rights
• Practical steps to strengthen contracts and reduce risk ahead of fundraising and diligence