IP Audits and Due Diligence

Assessing, Securing, and Valuing Your Intellectual Property Assets

Intellectual property (IP) represents a significant portion of the value of many businesses, but that value depends on how well the IP is identified, protected, and aligned with commercial objectives. Whether in preparation for a transaction, a restructuring, or internal compliance, an IP audit or due diligence process is essential to understanding the true strength and scope of your intangible assets.

We assist companies, investors, and institutions with comprehensive IP audits and due diligence to support strategic decision-making, investment readiness, and risk management.

What Is an IP Audit?

An IP audit is a structured process of identifying, verifying, and evaluating all intellectual property assets owned, used, or licensed by an organization.

It may be conducted periodically, before transactions, or as part of internal compliance reviews.

Our audits typically cover:

  • Registered IP: Patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and domain names

  • Unregistered IP: Copyrights, trade secrets, software, databases, know-how

  • Contractual rights: Licenses, assignments, joint ventures, R&D agreements

  • Infringement risks: Third-party conflicts, ownership gaps, pending disputes

  • Portfolio strategy: Alignment with business model, markets, and innovation cycles

We tailor our audits to your industry and growth phase, providing actionable insights and recommendations.

Types of IP Audits We Offer

  • Transactional audits: Conducted before or during deals such as acquisitions, licensing agreements, or joint ventures, to assess value and risks.

  • Compliance audits: Ensuring that your IP registrations, usage, and contracts comply with applicable laws and internal policies.

  • Strategic audits: Focused on IP portfolio alignment with R&D, branding, or market positioning goals.

  • Litigation-readiness audits: Preparing your IP assets and documentation in anticipation of enforcement or defense actions.

IP Due Diligence in Transactions

We conduct targeted IP due diligence for:

  • (i) Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

  • (ii) Private equity and venture capital investments

  • (iii) Licensing, distribution, or tech transfer deals

  • (iv) Spin-offs, asset transfers, and corporate restructuring

Our due diligence focuses on:

  • Legal Status & ownership: Verifying chain of title, assignments, and co-ownership arrangements

  • Scope & validity: Reviewing the enforceability and geographical protection of IP rights

  • Use & exploitation: Analyzing whether IP is properly commercialized and adequately protected

  • Encumbrances: Identifying licenses, liens, prior pledges, or restrictions on use

  • Compliance & strategy: Checking adherence to legal formalities, deadlines, and strategic alignment

Why Conduct an IP Audit or Due Diligence?

  • Unlock hidden value: Identify unregistered or underused IP assets

  • Prepare for growth: Secure your IP portfolio before entering new markets or raising capital

  • Avoid disputes: Detect gaps in ownership or conflicts before they escalate

  • Strengthen negotiations: Gain leverage in licensing, M&A, or joint development deals

  • Ensure compliance: Prevent lapses in renewals, filings, or confidentiality protection