M-Wakili

Ask a lawyer:
Provide a template for an intellectual property due diligence report

Intellectual Property Due Diligence Report Template


Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Executive Summary

  3. Objectives of the Due Diligence

  4. Methodology

  5. Identification of IP Assets

    • 5.1 Patents

    • 5.2 Trademarks

    • 5.3 Copyrights

    • 5.4 Trade Secrets

    • 5.5 Other IP Assets

  6. Ownership and Validity

    • 6.1 Ownership Verification

    • 6.2 Validity and Enforceability

  7. IP Rights and Registrations

    • 7.1 Registration Status

    • 7.2 Pending Applications

    • 7.3 Expired or Lapsed Rights

  8. IP Agreements and Licenses

    • 8.1 Licensing Agreements

    • 8.2 Assignment Agreements

    • 8.3 Joint Ventures and Collaborations

  9. IP Infringement and Litigation

    • 9.1 Past and Ongoing Litigation

    • 9.2 Potential Infringement Risks

  10. IP Valuation

  11. Compliance with IP Laws and Regulations

  12. Risk Assessment

  13. Recommendations

  14. Conclusion

  15. Appendices


1. Introduction

This Intellectual Property (IP) Due Diligence Report has been prepared to provide a comprehensive analysis of the IP assets of [Target Company]. The report aims to assess the validity, ownership, and potential risks associated with the IP assets, and to provide recommendations for mitigating any identified risks.

2. Executive Summary

The executive summary provides a brief overview of the key findings and recommendations from the due diligence process. It highlights the most critical issues identified and the proposed actions to address them.

3. Objectives of the Due Diligence

The primary objectives of this IP due diligence are:

  • To confirm the validity and ownership of the IP assets.

  • To identify any potential risks and liabilities associated with the IP assets.

  • To assess the value of the IP assets.

  • To provide recommendations for mitigating identified risks.

4. Methodology

The due diligence process involved a thorough review of the following:

  • IP asset documentation, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

  • IP agreements and licenses.

  • IP litigation history.

  • Compliance with relevant IP laws and regulations.

5. Identification of IP Assets

5.1 Patents
  • List of patents owned by [Target Company].

  • Details of each patent, including title, registration number, filing date, and expiration date.

5.2 Trademarks
  • List of trademarks owned by [Target Company].

  • Details of each trademark, including registration number, filing date, and expiration date.

5.3 Copyrights
  • List of copyrighted works owned by [Target Company].

  • Details of each copyright, including registration number and date of creation.

5.4 Trade Secrets
  • Description of trade secrets held by [Target Company].

  • Measures taken to protect the confidentiality of trade secrets.

5.5 Other IP Assets
  • Identification of any other IP assets, such as industrial designs, geographical indications, etc.

6. Ownership and Validity

6.1 Ownership Verification
  • Verification of ownership for each IP asset.

  • Review of assignment agreements and transfer documents.

6.2 Validity and Enforceability
  • Assessment of the validity and enforceability of each IP asset.

  • Identification of any potential challenges to the validity of the IP assets.

7. IP Rights and Registrations

7.1 Registration Status
  • Current registration status of each IP asset.

  • Details of any pending applications.

7.2 Pending Applications
  • List of pending IP applications.

  • Status and expected timeline for approval.

7.3 Expired or Lapsed Rights
  • Identification of any expired or lapsed IP rights.

  • Analysis of the impact of expired or lapsed rights on the business.

8. IP Agreements and Licenses

8.1 Licensing Agreements
  • Review of existing licensing agreements.

  • Terms and conditions of each licensing agreement.

8.2 Assignment Agreements
  • Review of assignment agreements.

  • Terms and conditions of each assignment agreement.

8.3 Joint Ventures and Collaborations
  • Review of joint venture and collaboration agreements involving IP assets.

  • Terms and conditions of each agreement.

9. IP Infringement and Litigation

9.1 Past and Ongoing Litigation
  • Summary of past and ongoing IP litigation involving [Target Company].

  • Outcomes of past litigation and status of ongoing litigation.

9.2 Potential Infringement Risks
  • Identification of potential IP infringement risks.

  • Analysis of the impact of potential infringement on the business.

10. IP Valuation

  • Valuation of each IP asset.

  • Methodology used for IP valuation.

  • Summary of the overall value of the IP portfolio.

11. Compliance with IP Laws and Regulations

  • Review of compliance with relevant IP laws and regulations.

  • Identification of any non-compliance issues and potential penalties.

12. Risk Assessment

  • Comprehensive assessment of risks associated with the IP assets.

  • Categorization of risks based on severity and likelihood.

13. Recommendations

  • Recommendations for mitigating identified risks.

  • Proposed actions for enhancing the value and protection of IP assets.

14. Conclusion

The conclusion summarizes the key findings of the due diligence process and reiterates the importance of addressing the identified risks and implementing the recommended actions.

15. Appendices

  • Copies of relevant documents, such as IP registrations, agreements, and litigation records.

  • Additional information and data supporting the findings of the report.


TLDR

This template provides a comprehensive structure for conducting an Intellectual Property (IP) due diligence report, covering identification, ownership, validity, registration status, agreements, litigation, valuation, compliance, risk assessment, and recommendations.

Conclusion

Conducting a thorough IP due diligence is crucial for assessing the value and risks associated with a company's IP assets. This template serves as a guide to ensure that all relevant aspects are covered, providing a clear and organized framework for presenting the findings and recommendations.


Sources:

  • PwC - Intellectual Property Due Diligence

  • DealRoom - How to Conduct IP Due Diligence Properly + Checklist

  • Bowmans Law - Kenya: Data Protection in Kenya - impact on due diligence and navigating the compliance risks

  • IP Helpdesk - Factsheet IP due diligence

  • WIPO - IP Asset Management, IP Audit and Due Diligence

Answered by mwakili.com