Business context
M&A Intellectual Property Diligence often involves chain of title, registrations, licenses, and dispute records. The right IP plan depends on business model, ownership records, launch timing, filing status, and risk tolerance.
- Identify names, logos, products, inventions, software, content, and confidential information.
- Confirm who owns each asset.
- List launch, publication, disclosure, sale, and filing dates.
- Save contracts with founders, employees, contractors, suppliers, and partners.
Trademark and patent questions
A business may need trademark clearance, filing strategy, patent timing, trade secret procedures, assignments, and license review at different stages.
- Which assets are public-facing brands?
- Which inventions were disclosed publicly?
- Which assets must be assigned to the company?
- Which markets or countries matter first?
Investor or transaction file
Clean records help during investment, sale, licensing, and dispute review.
- Assignment chain.
- Filing receipts and deadlines.
- License and contractor agreements.
- Dispute notices and settlement records.
Related Reading
Startup IP PlanningTrademarks, patents, assignments, trade secrets, and investor diligence.Trademark Law BasicsNames, logos, specimens, filing basis, office actions, and enforcement.Patent Law BasicsProvisional, nonprovisional, design, utility, claims, and examination questions.Lawyer Consultation PrepQuestions and files to prepare before speaking with IP counsel.
Reference Sources
Use official intellectual property resources as a starting point, then speak with a licensed lawyer or registered patent practitioner about the specific facts.