https://www.flickr.com/photos/internetsense/7434014840/
It can be as simple as a one page list of goals and ways to achieve them or extremely advanced with pages and pages of detailed financials. For most startups I would recommend something in the middle of the road, like here on the SBA website: https://www.sba.gov/writing-business-plan Most importantly it should be prepared yourself (or with founding partners) because naturally, this is your baby you brought into this world, nobody cares for it or knows it quite like you.
A Google search will yield thousands of business plans ideas and outlines. One thing I noticed is that many of these business plans leave out a very important part of most businesses, a plan for intellectual property.
Just to rehash:
What is intellectual property?
Intellectual property (IP) is generally composed of copyrights, trademarks, and patents. Anything falling into these categories have value. If you are the creator you would really want to be able to protect others from basically copying your idea and profiting of of it, taking away your customer base, undercutting you etc. IP rights are also considered assets when valuing a company, to be used if you are interested in selling your company, obtaining financing etc.
How to put IP into a business plan
First, you would want to make a list of exactly what IP rights you have (copyrights, trademarks, trade names, service marks, trade secrets, utility models, source code, drawings, blueprints, inventions, songs, sheet music, music videos, etc. etc.) A.K.A. build your "IP portfolio"
Second, you should officially register your work that is copyrightable/patentable/trademarkable. Officially registering your IP gives you a huge advantage to take action against any unauthorized use of your IP rights.
Third, create a system of protection of your work. When working with distributors, employees, collaborators, or any other services that come into contact with your work products, you should have in place agreements that address confidently, use and ownership of your rights.
Fourth, address how much your business depends on your IP rights. This is a big one. Question yourself whether your business can even function without intellectual property and to what extent. If you are an artist, performer, inventor or in the tech industry, you don't even exist without IP rights. In some industries IP is really straightforward and others such as fashion IP is wishy washy, so it would be a good idea to really think this one out. Be sure to also include any current or projected licenses, franchises, consent agreements, non-compete agreements, databases, etc.
Fifth, monitor your competition, outline what methods you will use to seek and destroy those mean infringers. Also create a list potential IP liabilities you may have.
Sixth, plan out how you will monetize your IP, I am assuming you are running a business for a profit and not as a hobby, if so your IP rights can work for you (or you can sell them). Create plans and agreements on how you will get license fees and royalties (and/or pay license and royalty fees to use the IP of others). If you haven't got your lawyer involved yet, here is where you should to avoid catastrophic disaster. Well written agreements are necessary. (such as licensing agreements where one party agrees to "rent" IP from another)
IP planning is really important and an often neglected piece of a proper business plan. This is where you take inventory and create systems for your IP, plan what you want to do with your IP, and have agreements in place on how you will deal with involvement of others with your IP. Don't make the common mistake of leaving out this crucial aspect of your business and happy planning!
