# Cold Bore Ballistics™ LLC — Business Formation & IP Protection Guide

**Version:** 1.0.0
**Date:** 2026-05-28
**Owner:** Jason Schwefel
**Status:** Active reference — update as actions are completed

---

## Purpose

This document consolidates every business formation, IP protection, and startup action item identified during planning. It is organized by timeline and serves as a checklist. Nothing here is legal advice — consult a Wisconsin-licensed attorney for anything requiring professional judgment.

**Mark each item complete as it is done. Do not rely on memory.**

---

## Table of Contents

1. [Immediate Actions — Before Any Public Activity](#1-immediate-actions)
2. [Before Launch](#2-before-launch)
3. [At Launch](#3-at-launch)
   - [3.5 Pre-Launch Barrel Maker Outreach](#35-pre-launch-barrel-maker-outreach)
4. [Post-Launch Milestones](#4-post-launch-milestones)
   - [4.0 Pre-Launch Partnership Actions](#40-pre-launch-partnership-actions)
   - [4.1 At ~500 Installs](#41-at-500-installs)
   - [4.2 At ~1,000 Installs](#42-at-1000-installs)
   - [4.3 At ~2,000–3,000 Installs](#43-at-20003000-installs)
   - [4.4 At ~5,000 Installs](#44-at-5000-installs)
   - [4.5 At ~20,000 Installs](#45-at-20000-installs)
5. [IP Asset Register](#5-ip-asset-register)
6. [Trade Secret Protocol](#6-trade-secret-protocol)
7. [Ongoing Obligations](#7-ongoing-obligations)
8. [Key Costs Summary](#8-key-costs-summary)
9. [Key Contacts and Resources](#9-key-contacts-and-resources)

---

## 1. Immediate Actions

*Complete these before any public activity, business outreach, or money changes hands.*

### 1.1 Form the LLC

- [ ] File Articles of Organization at **wdfi.org** — $130
- [ ] Name to register: **Cold Bore Ballistics LLC**
- [ ] Registered agent: yourself, Village of Mukwonago address
- [ ] Confirm name availability before filing (DFI name search is free)
- [ ] Save the confirmation document — you will need it for banking and every other filing

### 1.2 Get the EIN

- [ ] File at **irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online**
- [ ] Free. Takes 5 minutes. Do this immediately after LLC confirmation.
- [ ] Save the EIN confirmation letter (SS-4) — banks and app stores require it
- [ ] The EIN is the business's equivalent of a Social Security Number — keep it secure

### 1.3 Open a Business Bank Account

- [ ] Institution: **Landmark Credit Union** (existing personal relationship)
- [ ] Bring: Articles of Organization, EIN confirmation letter, photo ID
- [ ] Confirm the $0 minimum balance business checking option at account opening
- [ ] All business income and expenses go through this account from day one
- [ ] Never commingle personal and business funds — this is the single most important financial discipline for an LLC

### 1.4 Draft a Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement

- [ ] Not required by Wisconsin law but strongly recommended
- [ ] Free templates available from the WI State Bar public resources
- [ ] Keep on file — may be requested by banks, acquirers, or during due diligence
- [ ] Documents management structure, profit distribution, and dissolution terms
- [ ] Does not need to be filed with WI DFI — internal document only

### 1.5 Register Domains

- [ ] **coldboreballistics.com** — preferred domain; currently taken — pursue via broker (Sedo.com, Dan.com) before launch
- [x] **coldboreballisticsllc.com** — secured; functional fallback until coldboreballistics.com is acquired
- [x] **ballisticcomputer.com** — secured; primary trademark domain
- [x] **ballisticscomputer.com** — secured; natural spelling variant; defensive registration
- [ ] **scopedope.com** — preferred product domain; currently taken — pursue via broker before launch
- [x] **scope-dope.com** — secured; functional fallback until scopedope.com is acquired
- [ ] **ballisticcomputer.net** — grab defensively to prevent squatting
- [ ] **scopedope.app** — consider; .app TLD is HTTPS-enforced, credibility signal
- [ ] **ballisticcomputer.app** — consider alongside scopedope.app
- [ ] Check ownership of coldboreballistics.com and scopedope.com at who.is — parked domains are often acquirable for $200–$500

### 1.6 Set Up Business Email — Microsoft 365

- [x] **Microsoft 365 Business Standard** — $12.50/user/month
- [x] Set up at **microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business** under Cold Bore Ballistics LLC
- [x] Connect coldboreballisticsllc.com domain via DNS (MX records) — M365 admin center walks through this
- [x] Primary address: jschwefel@coldboreballisticsllc.com
- [ ] Create shared mailboxes (no additional license cost in M365); each uses `@coldboreballisticsllc.com` as the Primary SMTP address, with aliases on scope-dope.com, ballisticcomputer.com, and ballisticscomputer.com:
  - admin@coldboreballisticsllc.com
  - support@coldboreballisticsllc.com
  - privacy@coldboreballisticsllc.com
  - legal@coldboreballisticsllc.com
  - hello@coldboreballisticsllc.com
- [ ] Set up catch-all forwarding on scope-dope.com, coldboreballisticsllc.com, ballisticcomputer.com, and ballisticscomputer.com → corresponding Cold Bore addresses
- [ ] **Google Play Console requires a Google account** — M365 does not work here. Create a dedicated Cold Bore Gmail account (not personal) solely for Google ecosystem services: Google Play Console, Firebase, any Google developer tools. Keep it cleanly separate from personal Gmail.

### 1.7 Set Up Accounting — Zoho Books

- [ ] Register at **zoho.com/books** — free for businesses under $50K annual revenue
- [ ] Use the Cold Bore Ballistics LLC business email, not personal
- [ ] Connect Landmark CU business checking account for bank auto-import
- [ ] Set up chart of accounts — at minimum:
  - Income: App Sales (Google Play), App Sales (Apple App Store)
  - Expenses: Software/Subscriptions, Filing Fees, Equipment/R&D, Marketing, Domains/Hosting, Professional Services
  - Equity: Owner Capital Contributions, Owner Draws
- [ ] Enter all pre-formation hardware purchases as capital contributions (see §1.3 note)
- [ ] Categorize every transaction at the time it occurs — do not let this pile up
- [ ] Upgrade to Standard ($20/month) only when revenue crosses $50K annually — Zoho prompts you automatically

---

## 2. Before Launch

*Complete these before the app is publicly available or any marketing is published.*

### 2.1 Trademark Filings — USPTO

File all three simultaneously. Use **TEAS Plus** application at **uspto.gov** (~$350 per mark).

- [ ] **"ScopeDOPE"**™ — word mark, Class 9 (software, mobile applications)
  - Arbitrary mark, strong protection, straightforward filing
  - Use ™ immediately upon first commercial use; ® only after USPTO grants registration

- [ ] **"Ballistic Computer"** — word mark, Class 9
  - No live registration found at USPTO as of 2026-05-27 — window is open
  - Possible descriptiveness challenge from USPTO examiner — be prepared to respond with evidence of acquired distinctiveness and the specific technical distinction between a Ballistic Computer and a ballistic calculator
  - Use ™ immediately upon first commercial use

- [ ] **"Cold Bore Ballistics"** — word mark, Class 9 (and consider Class 42 for software services)
  - Company brand mark
  - Use ™ immediately upon first commercial use

- [ ] **"DOPE-Blend"** — word mark, Class 9 + Class 42
  - Coined compound mark; "DOPE" is a ballistics term of art; the combination is novel and not used in the industry
  - Dual-protection strategy: methodology is protected as a trade secret; the name as a trademark
  - Write **DOPE-Blend™** on first mention in any document; **DOPE-Blend** on subsequent mentions
  - Use ™ immediately upon first commercial use

**After word marks are filed, consider design marks for:**
- [ ] The scope reticle logo (ScopeDOPE banner mark) — file after word marks are confirmed
- [ ] The "Ballistic Computer" styled wordmark (Option B) — file after word marks are confirmed

**Total estimated USPTO cost: ~$1,750 for four word marks (ScopeDOPE, Ballistic Computer, Cold Bore Ballistics in Class 9 + 42, DOPE-Blend in Class 9 + 42)**

### 2.2 Copyright Registrations — US Copyright Office

File at **copyright.gov** (~$65 per registration).

- [ ] **ScopeDOPE app (source code)**
  - Submit first and last 25 pages of source code
  - **Redact all of the following before submission:**
    - DOPE-Blend™ interpolation logic
    - Ballistics engine calculations (trajectory, windage, elevation)
    - Any novel algorithmic work
  - Safe to include unredacted: UI code, file I/O, BLE printer drivers, settings
  - Category: Computer program / Literary work

- [ ] **ScopeDOPE logo / scope reticle SVG**
  - Category: Work of visual art
  - Submit the SVG file directly

- [ ] **"Ballistic Computer" wordmark SVGs**
  - Category: Work of visual art
  - Submit both dark and light background versions

**Do NOT register:**
- SPEC.md — trade secret (see §6)
- Marketing Guide — trade secret (see §6)
- `.dope` format specification — publish under Custom Open Specification License (see §2.3); do NOT use CC0

**Total estimated copyright cost: ~$195 for three registrations**

### 2.3 Publish the `.dope` Format Specification Openly

- [ ] Publish the `.dope` schema specification at **scope-dope.com/dope-format**
- [ ] License it under the **Cold Bore Ballistics Custom Open Specification License** — NOT CC0
- [ ] The license must state the following four terms clearly in plain language:
  1. Free to implement for any purpose — commercial or non-commercial, royalty-free, forever
  2. Must attribute "Cold Bore Ballistics LLC" when referencing the `.dope` format by name in documentation
  3. May not publish a modified schema and call it `.dope` without written permission from Cold Bore Ballistics
  4. Cold Bore Ballistics LLC is the sole authoritative version publisher
- [ ] This establishes prior art and prevents anyone from patenting the format
- [ ] Encourages third-party tool compatibility — ScopeDOPE remains the reference implementation
- [ ] Timestamp the publication — the date matters for prior art purposes
- [ ] At ~5,000 installs: evaluate USPTO trademark registration for "Certified .dope Compatible" certification mark (~$350) to formalize the certification program

**Why not CC0:** CC0 permanently and irrevocably removes attribution rights and prevents a certification program. The custom license achieves identical openness in practice while preserving stewardship and acquisition value.

### 2.4 Write and Publish the App EULA

Every copy of ScopeDOPE must be distributed with a EULA. Required terms:

- [ ] No reverse engineering of the app or its algorithms
- [ ] No redistribution or resale
- [ ] No commercial use of the app's output (scope correction data) in competing products
- [ ] Governing law: State of Wisconsin, Village of Mukwonago venue
- [ ] Disclaimer of liability for missed shots, property damage, or personal injury
- [ ] Acknowledgment that firing solution accuracy depends on user-supplied data

### 2.5 Write and Publish a Privacy Policy

Required by both Google Play and Apple App Store regardless of whether you collect data.

- [ ] State clearly: no user accounts, no data collection, no analytics, no cloud transmission
- [ ] Note BLE device pairing (local only)
- [ ] Publish at a permanent URL (scope-dope.com/privacy)
- [ ] Link from both app store listings

### 2.6 Developer Account Registration

- [ ] **Google Play Console** — $25 one-time fee, register under business Google account
- [ ] **Apple Developer Program** — $99/year, register under business Apple ID
- [ ] Both must be registered to Cold Bore Ballistics LLC, not personal accounts
- [ ] Payment goes to the business bank account

### 2.7 Execute NDAs with All Third Parties

Anyone who sees the SPEC.md, Marketing Guide, or source code before launch must sign an NDA. This is mandatory for trade secret protection — failure to require NDAs can void trade secret claims.

- [ ] Content writer — NDA before sharing Marketing Guide
- [ ] Any contractors or freelancers — NDA before sharing any technical documentation
- [ ] Any potential investors or acquirers in preliminary conversations — NDA before any substantive disclosure
- [ ] Template: a simple mutual NDA is sufficient at this stage; free templates at upcounsel.com or Clerky

---

## 3. At Launch

### 3.1 Trademark Symbol Usage

- [ ] Use **™** on "ScopeDOPE," "Cold Bore Ballistics," and "Ballistic Computer" in all marketing materials from day one
- [ ] Switch to **®** only after USPTO grants registration — using ® before registration is a federal violation
- [ ] Apply to: app store listings, website, social media profiles, email signatures, printed materials

### 3.2 App Store Listings

- [ ] Confirm EULA is linked and accessible from both store listings
- [ ] Confirm Privacy Policy URL is live and linked
- [ ] Screenshots show the product working — not empty states
- [ ] Replace placeholder Google Play URL in all marketing materials with live URL

### 3.3 Website Launch Checklist

- [ ] ™ symbols on all brand marks
- [ ] Privacy Policy linked in footer
- [ ] Terms of Service / EULA linked in footer
- [ ] © 2026 Cold Bore Ballistics LLC in footer
- [ ] Feature voting board live and linked

### 3.4 Social Media Account Creation

**Claim all handles before launch** — do not wait until the app is live. Handles disappear quickly once a product gets any public attention.

Claim the following on every platform, using consistent handles (**@coldboreballistics** and/or **@scopedope** where available):

- [ ] **Instagram** — highest priority; strongest precision rifle community presence
- [ ] **Facebook** — create a Page (not a personal profile); NRL22 and PRS groups are the primary community channels
- [ ] **YouTube** — claim the channel even if you don't publish immediately; channel names are first-come
- [ ] **Reddit** — u/coldboreballistics and u/scopedope user accounts; do not create subreddits yet — earn community presence first
- [ ] **X (Twitter)** — lower priority but claim the handle
- [ ] **Sniper's Hide** — register an account; this forum carries more weight with the target audience than any social platform

**For each account:**
- [ ] Use the Cold Bore Ballistics logo or ScopeDOPE banner as the profile image (whichever is platform-appropriate)
- [ ] Complete the bio before launch — incomplete profiles read as abandoned
- [ ] Link to coldboreballistics.com or scopedope.com in the bio
- [ ] Link to the feature voting board once it is live

### 3.5 Pre-Launch Barrel Maker Outreach

Wisconsin barrel makers are the highest-priority pre-launch partnership conversation — local, accessible, and serving the exact ScopeDOPE demographic. The pitch: *"Your customers' DOPE resets the day they install your barrel. We help them build it back faster."*

**Commercial structure — choose one per partner:**
- **Option A (preferred):** barrel maker buys activation codes wholesale at $20–25/code; includes one with every barrel. Clean, predictable revenue. At $300–$600+ barrel prices, a $25 app code is invisible to the customer.
- **Option B:** unique referral code per barrel maker; ~$5 discount to shooter; Cold Bore pays small commission per redemption. No upfront cost, fully trackable.
- **Option C (launch seed only):** small complimentary code batch for the initial Krieger relationship. One-time tactic — move to A or B immediately after launch.

**Outreach actions:**
- [ ] **Krieger Barrels** — call **(262) 628-8558**. 45 min from Mukwonago. Produces RPR drop-in barrels — most common NRL22 platform. Active match sponsor (Racine County Line Rifle Club). 21K Facebook / 13K Instagram. This is a 15-minute call, not a deck. Introduce as a fellow Wisconsin company; ask for owner or sales/marketing. **Target: before launch.**
- [ ] Follow up with **Brux Barrels** — **(608) 592-3324**; Lodi, WI (~90 min); founder-run; recent PRS Finals 1st and 2nd. Approach parallel with or just after Krieger.

#### Arken Optics — Community Relationship (Pre-Launch)

- [ ] Be visible in Arken Optics Facebook community as a genuine participant — not a promotional presence. Build credibility before any product ask.
- [ ] Monitor the TL3000 companion app situation (previewed SHOT 2026, companion app explicitly "in development"). The companion app gap is the opening — community users are already asking for third-party app recommendations.
- [ ] Direct contact (arkenopticsusa.com/pages/contact) when TL3000 app gap is confirmed or community traction exists. Partnership angle: "Your users are asking Facebook groups what ballistic app to use. We have the answer. Arken + ScopeDOPE is the complete NRL22 setup."

---

## 4. Post-Launch Milestones

### 4.0 Pre-Launch Partnership Actions

*Complete these before or immediately at launch — no install milestone required.*

#### Niimbot — Custom Consumables

**Confirmed program details:** MOQ = single roll (no commitment barrier); 48-hour production cycle from design approval; free one-on-one design service included; file formats accepted: AI, EPS, SVG, CDR. B1 and B21 Pro share the same 48mm roll width — one custom SKU covers both printers.

**Contact:** niimbot.com/us/customConsumable (online chat) — Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00 GMT+8 (8:00 PM–4:00 AM CT; use async chat form).

**Recommended materials for ScopeDOPE field labels:**
- **Laminated Thermal** — best for scope correction stickers; wear-resistant laminated layer; weather/scratch/chemical resistant
- **Wrap-around Protective Film** — best for all field use; withstands extreme temps, water, oil, abrasion; print won't fade

**Estimated pricing (unconfirmed — request quote at 1, 50, 100, and 500 roll tiers):**

| Quantity | Est. cost/roll | Recommended retail | Gross margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–10 | ~$10–$15 | $12–$15 | Proof of concept only |
| 100 | ~$1–$3 | $9–$12 | 3–10× |
| 500 | ~$0.25–$0.75 | $9–$12 | 12–45× |
| 1,000+ | ~$0.10–$0.25 | $9–$12 | 36–120× |

**Business case at 100 rolls:** ~$200 inventory → ~$1,000 gross revenue → ~$800 gross profit; capital recovery on first 20 rolls sold.

- [ ] Contact Niimbot via **niimbot.com/us/customConsumable** using the inquiry template below
- [ ] Request sample roll with Cold Bore Ballistics / ScopeDOPE branding
- [ ] Confirm pricing at 100-roll tier before launch — have inventory ready at launch day

**Inquiry template:**
> "We are a US-based software company (Cold Bore Ballistics LLC) developing a precision shooting application that pairs with the Niimbot B1 and B21 Pro printers. We are interested in custom-branded label rolls. Please provide pricing and lead times for: B1 and B21 Pro (48mm roll width); label sizes per our spec; Laminated Thermal or Wrap-around Protective Film material; Cold Bore Ballistics / ScopeDOPE branding on label backing and/or packaging; quantity tiers: 1 roll (sample), 50, 100, 500; delivery to United States."

#### Niimbot — Developer Support Registration

- [ ] Submit a developer support request at **niimbot.com/us/developer_work_order** describing ScopeDOPE's BLE integration
- [ ] Do this *before* initiating the OEM conversation — establishes a technical relationship first
- [ ] May yield official protocol documentation, eliminating reliance on reverse engineering
- [ ] Formal acknowledgment of third-party integration strengthens the private label conversation later

#### ELEY — Lot Data Integration Partnership

- [ ] Contact ELEY via **eleyxshot.com** — propose an API or data sharing agreement allowing ScopeDOPE to query the Lot Analyser by lot number
- [ ] Lead with the workflow: shooter enters their ELEY lot code, ScopeDOPE auto-populates lot-specific BC and MV from ELEY's actual test data, DOPE-Blend refines from there — ELEY's data surfaced at the highest-intent moment
- [ ] What Cold Bore Ballistics needs from ELEY: API access or data sharing agreement; permission to display ELEY branding within the ammo entry interface when lot data is loaded; joint marketing acknowledgment
- [ ] Development target: V1.1 or V2 — but initiate the outreach conversation before launch
- [ ] See `SCOPEDOPE_AMMO_DATA_PARTNERSHIP.md` for the full concept brief and partnership pitch

---

### 4.1 At ~500 Installs

- [ ] Evaluate filing design marks for the scope reticle logo and wordmarks if not yet filed
- [ ] Assess whether "Ballistic Computer" trademark application has received any USPTO office actions — respond promptly (3-month deadline)

#### Apex Optics — Formal Partnership Inquiry

- [ ] Contact Apex Optics via **apexoptics.co/pages/contact** — formal partnership inquiry
- [ ] Lead with the Nemesis scope-user app gap: Apex's Rival/Nemesis scope users have zero ballistic integration; ScopeDOPE fills that gap and is complementary (not competitive) to their Synergy Applied Ballistics binocular system
- [ ] They are founder-run competitive shooters; approachable; actively building PRS identity post-Nemesis launch
- [ ] Pitch: "Your Rival and Nemesis users are running your scope with no app. We have the app that treats DOPE as a first-class input. When they install a new scope and need to rebuild their data, ScopeDOPE gets them there faster than any calculator."

#### Bartlein Barrels — Bundle Partnership

- [ ] Approach Bartlein using Krieger (and Brux if active) as social proof
- [ ] #1 barrel in PRS "What the Pros Use" and "What the Joes Use" surveys; used by GA Precision, Area 419, and top custom builders — highest-impact PRS partnership available
- [ ] Contact via bartleinbarrels.com

### 4.2 At ~1,000 Installs

#### Criterion Barrels — Volume Distribution

- [ ] Approach Criterion for volume bundle distribution
- [ ] Higher unit volume than Krieger or Bartlein; more pre-fit barrels; reach extends into serious recreational shooters beyond hardcore competition market
- [ ] Contact via criterionbarrels.com — scale play after concept proven with Krieger and Bartlein

#### Tract Optics — Direct Founder Outreach

- [ ] Contact Jon LaCorte or Jon Allen directly via **tractoptics.com** — DTC brand, founders are the decision-makers, one-call conversation
- [ ] Pitch: "Impact Ballistics gives your customers a starting point. ScopeDOPE gives them a system." Their PRS/ELR user base is ScopeDOPE's exact demographic; Impact Ballistics is a BDC web tool — no DOPE management, no lot tracking, no printing
- [ ] Wisconsin/Pennsylvania proximity is a minor goodwill angle

#### Element Optics — Complementary App Pitch

- [ ] Contact via **element-optics.com** — complementary pitch, not replacement pitch
- [ ] They have an existing ballistic calculator app; ScopeDOPE adds DOPE management, lot tracking, confirmed impact recording, and label printing — none of which their app does
- [ ] Pitch: "Element's app gives your customers a calculated solution. ScopeDOPE refines it with every confirmed impact. Both together = complete system."

#### WeatherFlow-Tempest — Reseller/Bundle Partnership

- [ ] Contact **Buck Lyons** (CEO/Co-Founder) directly at **buck.lyons@tempest.earth**
- [ ] Propose a formal reseller/bundle partnership:
  - Cold Bore Ballistics becomes an authorized reseller of the WEATHERmeter for Precision Shooting
  - ScopeDOPE is the officially recommended and supported app on WeatherFlow's precision shooting product page
  - Cold Bore sells a bundle (app + WEATHERmeter) at a modest discount vs. buying separately
  - No inventory commitment required — referral/reseller margin on sales driven
- [ ] Value proposition to WeatherFlow: a proven, measurable distribution channel into the precision rifle vertical — a market they have entered (WEATHERmeter for Precision Shooting exists) but not deeply cultivated
- [ ] Note: WeatherFlow already produces application-specific variants (Precision Shooting, Agriculture) — this is not a new concept for them

#### Sig Sauer KILO3K — BDX Integration Outreach (V2)

- [ ] Contact SIG Electro-Optics at **electro-optics@sigsauer.com** — ask whether a third-party BDX integration agreement exists
- [ ] Context: BaseMap already integrates with KILO, confirming SIG has had at least one third-party conversation
- [ ] This is V2 groundwork — initiate outreach now so the relationship exists when V2 development begins
- [ ] Fallback if no formal program: APK decompilation (`jadx`) + nRF Connect BLE traffic capture (see SCOPEDOPE_COMPETITIVE_ANALYSIS.md §6.2)

---

### 4.3 At ~2,000–3,000 Installs

#### Athlon Optics — Community Outreach

- [ ] Contact Athlon community team via **athlonoptics.com** — large NRL22/PRS mid-price user base, no app of any kind
- [ ] Even a soft endorsement or "compatible with Athlon" community mention carries significant weight given their user volume
- [ ] Pitch: ScopeDOPE is the complete solution for the price-conscious competitor who chose Athlon over a $600 Kestrel

#### ZCO — PRS Partnership Pitch

- [ ] Contact Zero Compromise Optic (#1 PRS scope brand, 20% of top 200 pros) via **zcompoptic.com**
- [ ] Lead with .dope database user data as leverage; ZCO users are serious PRS competitors who have Kestrels but will care about lot-level data management and label printing — differentiation from AB/Kestrel, not replacement
- [ ] Requires credibility — approach only with meaningful user data in hand

#### Niimbot — B21 Pro Private Label Printer Conversation

- [ ] Contact Niimbot OEM team via **niimbot.en.made-in-china.com**
- [ ] Specify B21 Pro as target model; request OEM quote with Cold Bore Ballistics branding, MOQ, lead time, and FCC/CE certification carry-through status
- [ ] Economics (estimated): B21 Pro retail ~$70; manufacturing cost $20–$30; private label cost to Cold Bore $30–$40; MOQ 500–1,000 units; capital commitment $15,000–$40,000
- [ ] Do not commit to inventory at this stage — gather data only
- [ ] A Cold Bore-branded printer creates a physical product that lives on the shooter's bench permanently and eliminates the "what printer do I buy" question for new ScopeDOPE users

---

### 4.4 At ~5,000 Installs ("Solid" Scenario)

- [ ] Begin patent evaluation for the wireless scope label printing workflow — see `Legal_and_Trademarks/PROVISIONAL_PATENT_GUIDE.md` for the pro se provisional framework (file the provisional before launch; engage attorney for non-provisional at this milestone)
- [ ] Engage a patent attorney for non-provisional conversion — budget $15,000–$30,000
- [ ] Re-evaluate acquisition positioning using the valuation framework in `SCOPEDOPE_VALUATION_BRIEF.md`

#### Kahles — US Distributor Contact

- [ ] Contact Kahles via US distributor (kahles.at) — K540i is now the favorite scope among serious precision competitors; no app of any kind
- [ ] Requires traction to open — European brand with formal US distribution structure; 5,000 installs provides the credibility needed
- [ ] Same pitch as ZCO: lot-level data management and label printing as differentiation from Kestrel/AB, not replacement

#### WeatherFlow-Tempest — Private Label Discussion

- [ ] Revisit private label conversation with Buck Lyons, backed by sales data
- [ ] Full private label (Cold Bore Ballistics branding on device) requires MOQ ~500–1,000 units; estimated unit cost $45–$60; capital commitment $22,500–$60,000
- [ ] At 5,000 installs, demonstrated volume makes the ask straightforward — WeatherFlow is actively seeking B2B revenue and new verticals

#### Niimbot — Private Label Inventory Commitment

- [ ] Commit to B21 Pro private label inventory if economics support at this install level
- [ ] Bundle path: "ScopeDOPE Complete Kit" (app + branded printer + ScopeDOPE-branded label roll)

---

### 4.5 At ~20,000 Installs

- [ ] Full acquisition readiness review
- [ ] Ensure all IP is registered and clean — acquirers will audit this during due diligence
- [ ] Confirm all NDAs are executed and on file
- [ ] Organize financial records going back to LLC formation

---

## 5. IP Asset Register

*Maintain this table as a live record. Update status as filings progress.*

| Asset | Type | Protection Method | Status | Filing Date | Registration # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ScopeDOPE | Word mark | USPTO Trademark Class 9 | Pending filing | — | — |
| Ballistic Computer | Word mark | USPTO Trademark Class 9 | Pending filing | — | — |
| Cold Bore Ballistics | Word mark | USPTO Trademark Class 9 | Pending filing | — | — |
| Scope reticle logo | Design mark | USPTO Trademark Class 9 | Deferred — file after word marks | — | — |
| BC wordmark (styled) | Design mark | USPTO Trademark Class 9 | Deferred — file after word marks | — | — |
| ScopeDOPE app code | Copyright | US Copyright Office | Pending filing | — | — |
| ScopeDOPE logo SVG | Copyright | US Copyright Office | Pending filing | — | — |
| BC wordmark SVGs | Copyright | US Copyright Office | Pending filing | — | — |
| DOPE-Blend | Word mark | USPTO Trademark Class 9 + Class 42 | Pending filing | — | — |
| SPEC.md | Trade secret | NDA + access controls | Active — do not publish | — | — |
| Marketing Guide | Trade secret | NDA + access controls | Active — do not publish | — | — |
| Ballistics engine source | Trade secret | NDA + access controls + redaction in copyright deposit | Active | — | — |
| DOPE-Blend methodology | Trade secret | NDA + access controls | Active — do not publish | — | — |
| `.dope` format spec | Open standard | Custom Open Specification License — see §2.3 | Publish before launch | — | — |
| Printing workflow | Patent candidate | Deferred — file at ~5K installs | Not filed | — | — |

---

## 6. Trade Secret Protocol

The following assets are trade secrets. Each requires active protection — trade secret status is lost if the information is not treated as secret.

**Assets:**
- SPEC.md (full specification document)
- Marketing Guide
- Ballistics engine source code and algorithms
- DOPE-Blend interpolation methodology
- Any internal financial projections or acquisition analysis

**Required controls for each:**

- [ ] Stored in a private repository (not public GitHub)
- [ ] Access limited to Jason Schwefel unless an NDA is in place
- [ ] NDAs executed before sharing with any third party — no exceptions
- [ ] Not submitted to any public registry (copyright, patent, trademark)
- [ ] Not discussed in public forums, community posts, or social media
- [ ] Marked "Confidential — Cold Bore Ballistics LLC" in the document header
- [ ] Version controlled with access logs where possible
- [ ] Stored in OneDrive under the **04_-_Highly_Confidential** folder with no external sharing links

**Future consideration — M365 DLP enforcement:**
When business justifies upgrading to M365 Business Premium ($22/user), enable sensitivity labels and DLP policies via `setup_m365_dlp.ps1` Section 2. This adds formal Purview audit trails and automated enforcement to the manual controls above. Upgrade delta from Business Standard: $9.50/user/month.

**NDA trigger:** The moment you share any of these documents with the content writer, a contractor, an investor, or an acquirer — NDA first. No preview, no summary, no excerpt without an NDA in place.

---

## 7. Ongoing Obligations

These recur annually or on a schedule. Set calendar reminders now.

| Obligation | Frequency | Cost | Due | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WI DFI Annual Report | Annual | $25 | End of quarter formed | Failure to file = LLC dissolution |
| Apple Developer Program renewal | Annual | $99 | Anniversary of registration | App removed from App Store if lapsed |
| Domain renewals | Annual | ~$15–$50 per domain | Varies | Auto-renew ON for all domains |
| Microsoft 365 Business Standard | Monthly | $12.50 | Recurring | |
| Zoho Books | Free until $50K revenue | $0 → $20/mo | Recurring | Upgrade to Standard automatically triggered at $50K revenue |
| USPTO trademark maintenance | At 5–6 years, then 9–10 years | $225–$425 | Post-registration | Section 8 declaration of use required |
| Landmark CU $0 min balance account | Ongoing | — | Always | Confirm $0 minimum option at account opening |
| NDA audit | Annual | — | — | Confirm all active NDAs are current and on file |

---

## 8. Key Costs Summary

### One-Time (Pre-Launch)

| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| WI DFI LLC formation | $130 |
| EIN | Free |
| USPTO trademark × 4 word marks (DOPE-Blend in Class 9 + 42; Cold Bore Ballistics in Class 9 + 42) | ~$1,750 |
| US Copyright Office × 3 registrations | ~$195 |
| Google Play Console | $25 |
| Domain registrations (3) | ~$45 |
| **Total pre-launch (no attorney)** | **~$2,145** |

### Recurring

| Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Apple Developer Program | $99 |
| Microsoft 365 Business Standard | $150 |
| Zoho Books | $0 (free until $50K revenue) |
| WI DFI Annual Report | $25 |
| Domains (~5 active) | ~$75 |
| **Total annual recurring (pre-revenue)** | ~$349** |

### Optional at Launch — Consumable Inventory

| Item | Estimated Cost | Revenue Potential |
|---|---|---|
| 100 custom branded label rolls (Niimbot) | ~$100–$300 | ~$900–$1,200 gross at $9–$12/roll |

### Deferred

| Item | Estimated Cost | Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Patent — printing workflow | $15,000–$30,000 | ~5,000 installs |
| Trademark design marks (2) | ~$700 | ~500 installs |
| Patent attorney consultation | $500–$1,500 | Before patent filing |

---

## 9. Key Contacts and Resources

| Resource | URL / Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WI DFI LLC filing | wdfi.org | Articles of Organization online |
| IRS EIN application | irs.gov/ein | Free, instant |
| USPTO trademark filing | uspto.gov/trademarks | TEAS Plus application |
| USPTO trademark search | tmsearch.uspto.gov | Search before filing |
| US Copyright Office | copyright.gov | eCO online registration |
| Landmark Credit Union | landmarkcu.com | Existing member |
| Microsoft 365 Business Standard | microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business | $12.50/month; desktop Office apps, Exchange, OneDrive 1TB, Teams; sensitivity labels and DLP require upgrade to Business Premium ($22/month) |
| M365 OneDrive/DLP Setup Script | setup_m365_dlp.ps1 (in project files) | Run Section 1 now; Section 2 deferred until Business Premium upgrade |
| Zoho Books | zoho.com/books | Free under $50K revenue; Standard $20/month after |
| Apple Developer | developer.apple.com | $99/year |
| `.dope` format spec (publish here) | scope-dope.com/dope-format | Custom Open Specification License (not CC0); free to implement, attribution required, no unauthorized forks |
| Privacy policy (publish here) | scope-dope.com/privacy | Required for app stores |
| EULA (publish here) | scope-dope.com/terms | Required for app stores |
| **Optics Partnership Targets** — see `OPTICS_PARTNERSHIP_TARGETS.md` for full analysis and partnership pitches | | |
| Arken Optics | arkenopticsusa.com/pages/contact | Budget NRL22/PRS dominant; TL3000 companion app gap; community-first approach pre-launch |
| Apex Optics | apexoptics.co/pages/contact | Canadian; #7 PRS pros; Nemesis scope users have no app; formal inquiry at ~500 installs |
| Tract Optics | tractoptics.com (founders: Jon LaCorte, Jon Allen) | DTC, PA; Impact Ballistics = BDC tool only; direct founder outreach at ~1,000 installs |
| Element Optics | element-optics.com | Value PRS tier; existing calculator app; complementary pitch at ~1,000 installs |
| Athlon Optics | athlonoptics.com | Mid-price NRL22/PRS; no app; community outreach at ~2,000 installs |
| ZCO | zcompoptic.com | #1 PRS scope brand; no app; approach at ~3,000 installs with user data |
| Kahles | kahles.at (US distributor) | Austrian premium; K540i dominant; approach at ~5,000 installs |
| **Wisconsin Barrel Makers** | | |
| Krieger Barrels | (262) 628-8558 / kriegerbarrels.com | Richfield, WI (~45 min); RPR drop-ins; match sponsor; **call first, before launch** |
| Bartlein Barrels | bartleinbarrels.com | #1 in PRS "What the Pros Use"; approach at ~500 installs with Krieger as social proof |
| Brux Barrels | (608) 592-3324 / bruxbarrels.com | Lodi, WI (~90 min); founder-run; PRS Finals 1st + 2nd; approach pre-launch alongside Krieger |
| Criterion Barrels | criterionbarrels.com | Volume / pre-fit market; approach at ~1,000 installs |
| **WeatherFlow-Tempest** | | |
| WeatherFlow-Tempest general | +1 (831) 438-9740 | Scotts Valley, CA; 21–50 employees |
| Buck Lyons (CEO/Co-Founder) | buck.lyons@tempest.earth | Direct contact for partnership outreach; reach out at ~1,000 installs |
| **Niimbot** | | |
| Niimbot consumable customization | niimbot.com/us/customConsumable | MOQ = 1 roll; 48h production; free design service; Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00 GMT+8 (use async chat form for US time zones); initiate pre-launch |
| Niimbot developer support | niimbot.com/us/developer_work_order | Register BLE integration before OEM conversation |
| Niimbot OEM / manufacturer | niimbot.en.made-in-china.com | B21 Pro private label; initiate at ~2,000–3,000 installs |
| Niimbot general contact | niimbot.com/us/contactUs | |
| **Sig Sauer** | | |
| SIG Electro-Optics (KILO3K BDX) | electro-optics@sigsauer.com | Third-party BDX integration inquiry; initiate at ~1,000 installs |

---

## Document Control

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| **Document owner** | `jschwefel@coldboreballisticsllc.com` |
| **Classification** | Confidential (03_-_Confidential/) |
| **Location** | `OneDrive/CBB_Corporate/03_-_Confidential/Process/COLD_BORE_STARTUP_GUIDE.md` |
| **Cross-references** | `CBB_SDLC.md`; `ScopeDOPE_SDLC.md`; `CBB_LLC_OPERATING_AGREEMENT.md`; `CBB_MUTUAL_NDA_TEMPLATE.md` |
| **Created** | 2026-06-04 |
| **Last updated** | 2026-06-09 |
| **Next full review due** | 2027-06-04 |

---

## Revision Control Block

| Rev | Date | Changed By | Reviewed By | Approved By | Summary |
|-----|------|------------|-------------|-------------|---------|
| 0.9 | 2026-06-04 | jschwefel | — | — | Initial release |
| DRAFT | 2026-06-09 | Claude (Opus 4.8) | — | — | Fixed "DOPE-blend"→"DOPE-Blend™" per BRAND_LEGAL_LANGUAGE_GUIDE; applied ™ to first use of ScopeDOPE/Cold Bore Ballistics. |
