IPR as key assets

Similarly, where insolvency or corporate recovery specialists are involved, IPR are often a key asset.

Murgitroyd & Company attorneys review IPR portfolios as part of the due diligence process. Our responsibilities include identifying the relevant IPR, assessing its ownership, status and/or validity and highlighting any gaps in protection. Another important factor our attorneys consider is the effect of a change of ownership on existing third party agreements including licenses, collaborative arrangements and joint ventures. 

Prioritising IPR in the due diligence process

In our experience, the assessment process will be subject to time and budgetary constraints and so setting priorities with the other advisers involved in the transaction is vital to ensure that resources are applied correctly and that the important IPR are identified and dealt with.

Because of our experience, we have developed an intellectual property due diligence checklist which is available at no cost. This checklist will prove quite useful as a concise summary of the many points that need to be considered in any due diligence project. This checklist can also form the basis for the structure of the resultant report issued to all parties to the transaction — reducing the "expectation gap" that often exists when parts of the due diligence process are sub-contracted.

Click here to request due diligence checklist

To find out more about how we can assist you with due diligence matters, please contact Craig Thomson by email at craig.thomson@murgitroyd.com or by phone on +44 (0)141 307 8400.

Craig Thomson

Director, Patents