Intellectual Property Law · European Union
Know What You Are Really Buying With IP Due Diligence
In a deal, the intellectual property is often the most valuable asset on the table — and the most likely to hide defects, disputed ownership or expiring rights. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted intellectual property lawyer who audits the IP before you commit.
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Who this is for
The price is agreed, but the real question is what the IP is actually worth — and who owns it
IP due diligence is the investigation of a target’s intellectual property before a transaction — an acquisition, investment, merger or licence — to confirm what the company actually owns, whether those rights are valid and enforceable, and whether there are undisclosed liabilities attached to them. The work spans registered rights such as patents and trade marks, unregistered rights such as copyright and trade secrets, and the agreements that carry them: assignments, licences, employee and contractor contracts, and any pending or threatened disputes. The purpose is not to stop the deal but to price it correctly and to avoid inheriting a problem that only becomes apparent after closing. Because registration, ownership and enforcement rules differ by country, and because a single defective assignment can unwind a whole portfolio, this is work best done by a lawyer who performs IP audits in the relevant jurisdiction regularly.
Why deals get burned
The IP looked impressive in the data room.
The defects only show up after closing.
Undocumented assignments, expiring registrations and hidden licences can turn a headline asset into a liability you discover too late to renegotiate.
Rights not actually owned
A target may list patents, trade marks or software as its own when they were actually created by a contractor or a former employee without a proper assignment — leaving the buyer without the very asset that justified the price.
Hidden licences and encumbrances
Existing licences, security interests or settlement agreements can restrict how the IP can be used or transferred, and discovering them after signing can significantly reduce the commercial value you thought you were acquiring.
Unprotected or lapsed registrations
Patents nearing expiry, trade marks that were never renewed in key markets, or applications that were never followed through can leave gaps in coverage that only surface when a competitor moves into the space.
What you get
An IP due diligence lawyer who tells you what the portfolio is really worth
We only match you with intellectual property lawyers who perform pre-transaction IP audits and freedom-to-operate reviews regularly.
Ownership verification
Your lawyer traces the chain of title for every material right — confirming assignments, employee and contractor agreements and registration records — so you know precisely what the seller can actually transfer.
Validity & scope review
Get a clear assessment of whether the key registrations are valid, maintained and broad enough to matter, including renewal status, territorial coverage and any claims or oppositions that could undermine them.
Encumbrance & licence mapping
Your lawyer identifies existing licences, security interests, settlement obligations and other encumbrances, so you understand the restrictions attached to the assets before you price or structure the deal.
Risk report & deal advice
You receive a practical, prioritised report of the findings and their implications — what is solid, what needs fixing and how the risks can be addressed through pricing, warranties, indemnities or restructuring.
Coverage
IP due diligence lawyers across Europe
Ownership, registration and enforcement of intellectual property are national matters, so meaningful due diligence depends on a lawyer familiar with the jurisdictions where the target’s rights actually exist. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
IP due diligence — common questions
What is IP due diligence?
It is the investigation of a company’s intellectual property before a transaction — such as an acquisition, investment or licence — to confirm what rights exist, who owns them, whether they are valid and enforceable, and what liabilities or restrictions are attached to them.
When should IP due diligence be carried out?
Ideally before the deal is signed or, at the latest, before closing, so that the findings can inform the price, warranties and structure. Doing it early gives you leverage to renegotiate or require fixes, whereas doing it after closing means inheriting whatever problems exist.
What does IP due diligence typically cover?
Registered rights such as patents and trade marks, unregistered rights such as copyright and trade secrets, the agreements that carry them — assignments, licences and employment contracts — and any pending disputes or oppositions. The scope is usually tailored to the transaction.
What are the most common problems found?
Frequently, rights that are not properly owned because of missing assignments from contractors or employees, hidden licences or security interests, lapsed or non-renewed registrations, and gaps in territorial coverage. Each can materially affect the value of the deal.
Can IP problems be fixed before closing?
Many can, depending on the issue and the timing — such as executing missing assignments, renewing registrations or renegotiating restrictive licences. Others are better addressed through warranties, indemnities or a price adjustment, which is why early diligence matters.
Do I need a specialist for IP due diligence?
Yes, in most transactions involving meaningful intellectual property. Ownership and enforceability rules vary by country, and a single defective assignment or unnoticed encumbrance can undermine an entire portfolio, so specialist review is usually worth the cost.
Free case review
Don’t discover the defects after the money has moved
Tell us about your transaction and we’ll connect you with an intellectual property lawyer who handles IP due diligence in the relevant jurisdictions — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.