# Sundog Brand and IP Roadmap

**Copyright © 2026 Stellar Aqua LLC. All rights reserved.**

---

This roadmap formalizes the guarded brand, copyright, patent/trademark, and
entity-option plan for Sundog Research Lab. It progresses from immediate rights
hygiene through formal registrations, optional nonprofit formation, licensing,
or asset transfer depending on the strongest external path.

For public voice, Mythos stress-test lessons, and the About-page brand spine,
see [`BRAND_POSITIONING.md`](BRAND_POSITIONING.md). This document remains the
legal/IP execution roadmap.

## Current State: Foundation Complete

**Status:** ✅ Complete (May 2026)

The repository now has:
- ✅ COPYRIGHT.md inventory of all copyrightable works (8 buckets)
- ✅ LICENSE file converted to a Stellar Aqua rights notice
- ✅ Footer copyright notices across public HTML pages
- ✅ About page establishing Sundog Research Lab's public research posture and current Stellar Aqua LLC sponsorship structure
- ✅ Brand positioning note separating the Mythos stress-test lesson from the legal/IP roadmap
- ✅ Gemini model-feedback stress-test lesson summarized in `BRAND_POSITIONING.md`, with crawler/redirect debugging topics recorded there
- ✅ Updated navigation with About page as primary identity page
- ✅ Copyright headers on README.md and major documentation files
- ✅ Package.json metadata (author, rights-reserved package posture, description)

**Firewall established:** Sundog Research Lab exists as public-facing research
program identity, distinct from Stellar Aqua's operating company liability,
while Stellar Aqua retains current copyright ownership, sponsor role, and
strategic options for licensing, nonprofit transfer, patent filing, or sale.

---

## Phase 0: Legal Hygiene and Documentation

**Objective:** Ensure existing IP is documented, assigned, guarded, and ready
for counsel/partner review before external engagement.

**Timeline:** Immediate (0-2 months)

**Priority:** High - Required before accepting outside contributions, contractor work, or publication

### 0.1 Contractor Agreement Template

**Status:** ⚠️ Pending

**Tasks:**
- [ ] Draft standard contractor agreement with explicit IP assignment language
- [ ] Include work-made-for-hire provisions where applicable
- [ ] Add copyright and derivative rights assignment to Stellar Aqua LLC
- [ ] Add confidentiality and non-compete clauses appropriate for research work
- [ ] Tie payment milestones to deliverable acceptance and IP assignment
- [ ] Review with attorney if budget permits

**Deliverable:** `docs/contracts/CONTRACTOR_AGREEMENT_TEMPLATE.md` or `.docx`

**Critical:** Independent contractor work is NOT automatically owned by the hiring party under U.S. copyright law. Written assignment is legally required.

**Cost:** $0-500 (DIY to attorney review)

---

### 0.2 IP Assignment Paper Trail

**Status:** ⚠️ Pending

**Tasks:**
- [ ] Audit all paid contractor/freelancer/agent work to date
- [ ] Document what was commissioned, when, and what was delivered
- [ ] Identify gaps: work without written IP assignment
- [ ] Obtain retroactive IP assignment agreements where possible
- [ ] Create ledger: `docs/contracts/IP_ASSIGNMENT_LEDGER.md`

**Ledger Format:**
```
| Work Description | Contractor | Date | Payment | Assignment Status | Assignment Date | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Logo design | Jane Designer | 2026-03 | $500 | ✅ Signed | 2026-03-15 | Full rights assigned |
| Video production | VideoCo | 2026-04 | $2000 | ⚠️ Pending | - | Retroactive needed |
```

**Deliverable:** Complete IP assignment ledger with no gaps

**Cost:** $0 (documentation only, unless legal review needed)

---

### 0.3 Third-Party Reuse Documentation

**Status:** ✅ Complete (see `docs/site/THIRD_PARTY_REUSE.md`)

**Tasks:**
- [x] Document all third-party code, libraries, and dependencies
- [x] Verify third-party obligations and compatibility with the current
  rights-reserved publication posture
- [x] Maintain reuse ledger for MuJoCo, RK4 implementations, etc.

**Deliverable:** Already exists at `docs/site/THIRD_PARTY_REUSE.md`

---

### 0.4 Contribution Guidelines

**Status:** ⚠️ Pending

**Tasks:**
- [ ] Create CONTRIBUTING.md with IP assignment requirements
- [ ] Require CLA (Contributor License Agreement) for external contributions
- [ ] Document process for accepting pull requests with IP clean room
- [ ] Add IP assignment language to PR templates

**Deliverable:** `CONTRIBUTING.md` and `.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md` updates

**Cost:** $0

**Urgency:** Medium - Required before accepting external code contributions

---

## Phase 1: Formal Registration, Patent Triage, and Protection

**Objective:** Register copyrightable works, evaluate marks, and triage patent
or trade-secret candidates before broad technical disclosure.

**Timeline:** 2-12 months from Phase 0 completion

**Priority:** Medium - Recommended before major publication, product launch, or fundraising

### 1.1 Copyright Registration (Priority)

**Status:** ⚠️ Pending

**Tasks:**
- [ ] Register Batch 1: Core Research Materials
  - [ ] Website text and copy as literary work
  - [ ] Documentation (papers, guides, roadmaps) as literary work
  - [ ] Use eCO online registration: https://www.copyright.gov/eco/
- [ ] Register Batch 2: Software
  - [ ] Source code as computer program
  - [ ] Submit deposit copy of key modules (agents, experiments, env)
- [ ] Register Batch 3: Visual Works
  - [ ] Generated plots and charts
  - [ ] Diagrams and illustrations
  - [ ] Final logo/visual marks when created

**Cost:** ~$65 per registration × 3 batches = $195 minimum

**Timeline:** 3-8 months for processing after submission

**Benefit:**
- Public record of copyright ownership
- Required before filing infringement suit for U.S. works
- Enables statutory damages in infringement cases
- Professional credibility for research program

**Deliverable:** Copyright registration certificates for all batches

**Process:**
1. Prepare deposit copies of works
2. Complete Form CO via eCO system
3. Pay fees
4. Track application status
5. Store certificates in `docs/certificates/`

---

### 1.2 Trademark Search and Filing

**Status:** ⚠️ Pending

**Tasks:**
- [ ] Conduct USPTO trademark search for "Sundog Research Lab"
- [ ] Conduct search for "Sundog Alignment Theorem" (may be descriptive)
- [ ] Search visual marks/logos once finalized
- [ ] File trademark application if search is clear
  - [ ] Use USPTO TEAS (Trademark Electronic Application System)
  - [ ] File in Class 42 (Scientific and technological services)
  - [ ] Possibly Class 9 (Software) and Class 41 (Education)
- [ ] Respond to USPTO office actions
- [ ] Monitor opposition period
- [ ] Obtain registration certificate

**Cost:** $250-$350 per class × 1-3 classes = $250-1,050

**Timeline:** 6-12 months from filing to registration

**Benefit:**
- Protects brand name "Sundog Research Lab"
- Copyright does NOT protect brand names; trademark is required
- Prevents confusingly similar uses by others
- Enables ® symbol after registration

**Deliverable:** Trademark registration certificate(s)

**Critical Decision:** Determine if "Sundog Alignment Theorem" qualifies as trademark or is merely descriptive. Likely better protected through publication and citation than trademark.

---

### 1.3 Domain Name Portfolio

**Status:** ⚠️ Pending

**Tasks:**
- [ ] Register primary domains if not already owned:
  - [ ] sundogresearch.com
  - [ ] sundogresearchlab.com
  - [ ] sundog.cc (already owned?)
- [ ] Register defensive variations:
  - [ ] sundogai.com
  - [ ] sundogsystems.com
- [ ] Point domains to canonical site or holding pages
- [ ] Document ownership in `docs/BRAND_ASSETS.md`

**Cost:** $10-20 per domain per year

**Timeline:** Immediate

**Benefit:** Prevents domain squatting and brand confusion

---

### 1.4 Logo and Visual Identity Lock

**Status:** ⚠️ Pending

**Tasks:**
- [ ] Finalize Sundog Research Lab logo (if not already final)
- [ ] Create brand guidelines: colors, typography, usage rules
- [ ] Document in `docs/BRAND_GUIDELINES.md`
- [ ] Register logo as visual trademark (see 1.2)
- [ ] Ensure logo has explicit IP assignment from designer (see 0.2)

**Cost:** $0-$1000 (depends on whether designer is needed)

**Timeline:** 1-2 months

**Deliverable:** Final logo files, brand guidelines, trademark filing

---

## Phase 2: Entity Formation and Independence

**Objective:** Form separate Sundog Research Lab entity and transfer IP out of Stellar Aqua LLC to establish research program as independent legal entity.

**Timeline:** 12-24+ months from now, triggered by external momentum

**Priority:** Low - Only pursue when justified by serious external engagement

**Triggers for Phase 2:**
- Significant outside funding or grant opportunity
- Partnership or collaboration requiring separate entity
- Product revenue justifying corporate structure
- Desire to limit Stellar Aqua operating liability exposure
- Academic or institutional affiliation requiring nonprofit structure

### 2.1 Entity Formation Decision

**Status:** ⚠️ Pending - Not yet justified

**Options:**

#### Option A: Sundog Research Lab LLC (For-Profit)
- **Best for:** Product development, commercial partnerships, investor funding
- **Cost:** $100-500 filing + $800-1500/year franchise tax (CA) or $0-300/year (DE/WY)
- **Pros:** Flexible, investor-ready, straightforward IP transfer
- **Cons:** Taxed as business, no grant eligibility

#### Option B: Sundog Research Foundation (501(c)(3) Nonprofit)
- **Best for:** Grant funding, academic partnerships, pure research mission
- **Cost:** $275-600 IRS filing + state filing + annual compliance
- **Pros:** Tax-exempt, grant-eligible, mission credibility
- **Cons:** Slower formation, restricted activities, must serve public benefit

#### Option C: Fiscal Sponsorship
- **Best for:** Near-term grant opportunity without full entity formation
- **Cost:** 5-15% of grant funds
- **Pros:** Fast, no entity formation, nonprofit benefits
- **Cons:** Sponsor controls funds, temporary solution

**Decision Criteria:**
- Revenue model: product sales vs. grants
- Control requirements: founder control vs. board governance
- Timeline: immediate need vs. long-term plan
- Tax implications: profit distribution vs. tax exemption

**Deliverable:** Entity formation decision memo

---

### 2.2 IP Assignment Agreement

**Status:** ⚠️ Pending - Blocked by 2.1

**Tasks:**
- [ ] Draft IP assignment agreement from Stellar Aqua LLC to new entity
- [ ] Include all copyrights, trademarks, domain names, and related IP
- [ ] Stellar Aqua retains:
  - [ ] Historical sponsor credit and attribution
  - [ ] License-back rights to use Sundog materials for business purposes
  - [ ] Right to reference Sundog origin story and field discovery
- [ ] New entity receives:
  - [ ] All copyright registrations (transfer with USPTO)
  - [ ] All trademark registrations (transfer with USPTO)
  - [ ] Domain name transfers
  - [ ] Physical assets (if any)
  - [ ] Contributor agreements and assignment ledger

**Cost:** $500-2000 (attorney review strongly recommended)

**Timeline:** 1-2 months

**Deliverable:** Executed IP assignment agreement

**Critical:** This is a legal transfer of ownership. Attorney review is not optional.

---

### 2.3 Update All Public Materials

**Status:** ⚠️ Pending - Blocked by 2.2

**Tasks:**
- [ ] Update footer copyright notice to new entity:
  ```
  © 2026 Sundog Research Lab LLC. Initial research and application
  development sponsored by Stellar Aqua LLC.
  ```
- [ ] Update About page to reflect new ownership structure
- [ ] Update LICENSE file with new copyright holder
- [ ] Update COPYRIGHT.md with transfer date and new owner
- [ ] Update package.json author and metadata
- [ ] File copyright transfer notices with Copyright Office
- [ ] File trademark transfer documents with USPTO
- [ ] Transfer domain registrations to new entity
- [ ] Update GitHub repository ownership or transfer repository

**Cost:** $0 (just updates)

**Timeline:** 1-2 weeks

**Deliverable:** All materials reflect new entity ownership while preserving Stellar Aqua historical credit

---

### 2.4 Ongoing Entity Operations

**Status:** ⚠️ Pending - Blocked by 2.1

**Tasks:**
- [ ] Obtain EIN (Employer Identification Number) for new entity
- [ ] Open business bank account
- [ ] File annual reports (LLC) or Form 990 (nonprofit)
- [ ] Maintain registered agent and good standing
- [ ] Renew trademark registrations (every 10 years)
- [ ] Maintain copyright registrations (lifetime + 70 years)
- [ ] Update contractor agreements to assign IP to new entity
- [ ] Maintain CLA process for external contributions

**Cost:** $100-1000/year depending on entity type and state

**Timeline:** Ongoing after formation

**Deliverable:** Compliant entity in good standing

---

## Cost Summary

| Phase | Item | Cost | When |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Phase 0** | Contractor agreement template | $0-500 | Immediate |
| **Phase 0** | IP assignment audit | $0 | Immediate |
| **Phase 0** | CONTRIBUTING.md | $0 | Before external contributions |
| **Phase 1** | Copyright registration (3 batches) | $195 | Before major publication |
| **Phase 1** | Trademark registration (1-3 classes) | $250-1,050 | Before product launch |
| **Phase 1** | Domain names (5-10 domains) | $50-200/year | Immediate |
| **Phase 1** | Logo/brand finalization | $0-1,000 | Before trademark filing |
| **Phase 2** | Entity formation | $375-1,500 | When externally justified |
| **Phase 2** | IP assignment agreement (attorney) | $500-2,000 | With entity formation |
| **Phase 2** | Annual entity costs | $100-1,500/year | Ongoing after formation |
| **Total Phase 0-1** | **$495-2,950** | **0-12 months** |
| **Total Phase 2** | **$975-5,000 + annual** | **12-24+ months** |

---

## Success Criteria

### Phase 0 Complete When:
- ✅ All contractor work has written IP assignment
- ✅ Contractor agreement template exists
- ✅ CONTRIBUTING.md prevents IP gaps in external contributions
- ✅ IP assignment ledger shows no gaps

### Phase 1 Complete When:
- ✅ Copyright registrations filed and certificates received
- ✅ Trademark search completed and applications filed
- ✅ Domain portfolio secured
- ✅ Logo and brand identity finalized and documented

### Phase 2 Complete When:
- ✅ New entity formed and in good standing
- ✅ All IP transferred to new entity with attorney-reviewed agreements
- ✅ All public materials updated to reflect new ownership
- ✅ Stellar Aqua retains appropriate sponsor credit and license-back
- ✅ New entity has operational bank account and EIN
- ✅ Ongoing compliance processes established

---

## Decision Gates

**Proceed to Phase 1 when:**
- Phase 0 contractor audit shows clean IP chain
- Ready for external publication or product launch
- Budget available for registration fees

**Proceed to Phase 2 when:**
- External funding, partnership, or collaboration opportunity requires separate entity
- Product revenue justifies corporate structure
- Desire to limit Stellar Aqua operating liability is urgent
- Academic or institutional partnership requires nonprofit structure

**Do NOT proceed to Phase 2 until:**
- Phase 0 and Phase 1 are complete
- Attorney consulted on entity type and IP transfer
- Cash reserves available for formation and 1 year operating costs
- Clear business justification exists (not just "nice to have")

---

## Maintenance and Updates

This roadmap should be reviewed and updated:
- After completing each phase
- Every 6 months during Phase 0-1
- Annually after Phase 2
- When external circumstances change (funding, partnerships, legal landscape)

**Document Owner:** Repository maintainer

**Last Updated:** May 11, 2026

---

## References

- [U.S. Copyright Office](https://www.copyright.gov/)
- [Copyright Registration Portal (eCO)](https://www.copyright.gov/eco/)
- [USPTO Trademark Search](https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/search)
- [TEAS Trademark Application](https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/apply)
- [IRS Form 1023 (501c3 Application)](https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1023)
- [Small Business Administration: Business Structure](https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure)