No Code IP Myth Busting
In our first event of 2022, we collaborated with some legal eagles and no code heroes, to dispel some myths around no code. One of the biggest barriers to using no code technology, is the concern around if will you ever own the platform you have built. Our expert panel discussed their views and experiences on ownership, how no code can create different results and what to consider if a swift exit is in the plan.
Thriving in 2021
Georgia Halston, our co-founder, started the event with some amazing stats of our community and activity, our core pillars, and No Code Lab's impact.
Seven events, with 395 attendees.
2,750 followers across social media.
44 members of the No Code Lab member site.
1,500 in our community mailing list.
“We are very steadfast to the reason why we built No Code Lab, intrinsic to the no code movement and everything it stands for.”
– Georgia Halston
IP Myth Busting
We were then introduced to the main event and to our expert panel by our co-founder Zandra Moore.
“We are seeing more investment going into no code platforms, but we are seeing a shift towards how businesses are valued on their IP.”
Zandra Moore
Adam Driver ACMA CGMA, Founder of Settlr
First up Adam Driver discussed his background and the idea of how Settlr came about. Adams main reasons for using no code is the speed of getting first to market, quickly reacting to feedback, not being obliged to invest a huge amount. Adam stated that the advantages of no code will allow innovation to fly.
“I’m not a technical person myself and I didn’t have an idea about the software. I had the idea of Settlr and it became a reality because of no code.”
– Adam Driver
“I was unsure around the ownership of IP. After testing this to investors and mentioning we are building on no code to see their reaction, no one batted an eyelid. If investors recognition of no code increases, there won’t be a need for us to migrate to code.”
– Adam Driver
Tayler Freund, Founder of Brandweld
Tayler Freund gave us her experience and perspective from the world of no code in Denver, Colorado in the US. Taylor started her journey as a URX Designer and took the plunge to freelance to create her own successful no code platforms. Tayler delved into the session questioning what ultimately is your ownership when you have spent months crafting an idea and if you ever own the IP after you’ve built it?
“If you are working in photoshop and create a beautiful photo, do you own the photo after you manipulate it, is that your IP? It is a big issue that we get asked a lot”.
– Tayler Feund
Tayler expressed that younger generations are going to tap into no code, and it will become very accessible just like photoshop and those programmes, allowing people to be creative and innovative.
“In the last couple of years, we have seen big, valued companies are using no code, a hybrid of integrations within the no code ecosystem to connect data points, internal and externally, and they are getting valued on that on a higher level, because they get to market faster, rather than the IP.”
– Tayler Freund
Jesus Vazquez, Founder of StitchedOn
Next up, Jesus Vazquez from Texas in the US, explained how he had been working with no code for over a year. StitchedOn is a directory/social media site for no coders that are starting or already on their journey of no code. When starting out Jesus had concerns around the site, scale, and sustainability of the no code platform to ensure his website would still be functional and around tomorrow, rather than the licensing and ownership.
“Does a writer own what they write when they use Microsoft or goggle docs? And the answer is yes. We are the owners of what we built. We are the owners of the data, which is most important when you build a business and whether or not you own the code isn’t relevant to me, because I can redo it in another platform in the future.”
– Jesus Vazquez
Jesus passionately spoke about the biggest advantages of getting into no code, as it creates a level playing field for everyone to build anything they can imagine and create economic change.
Esther Kirwan, Head of IP at Clarion IP, at Clarion Solicitors
Finally, our legal eagle Esther Kirwan, has an extraordinary 20 years’ experience of working in relation to IP. Esther explained that buyers and investors need to understand and get comfortable with the rising use of no code and its ownership, like coded software.
“Businesses aren’t being valued on the value of their IP, it’s on the problems of the IP through the sale or investment process, if you haven’t got records of who created your software or taken ownership of it, once you have a clear record you shouldn’t have an issue.”
- Esther Kirwan
Esther expressed from a legal point of view that choosing the right no code platform, with the correct T&C’s, licensing terms, risk assessments, the diligence around what you are using it for, and internal corporate usage is more important than the ownership.
“You will never own the underlying code because it hasn’t been written for you, lots of people can use it. That is the only issue I can see with no code, if an investor wants you to own the code. But if you get to that point, you can get bespoke written code”.
– Esther Kirwan
Our main takeaways from the event were that it is more important to focus on speed to market, than the code we create. The data we create on the no code platforms, the brand, usage, revenue, and the problem we solve is of bigger value than the line of code itself. However, it is important to create and protect value with the project rather than owning the IP.
Thank you to our amazing panel, hosts and everyone that joined us for the event. If you have an exciting no code solution or want to know how to get involved in our next event, get in touch!