IP as a strategic asset: In most knowledge-economy businesses, trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets represent the most significant intangible assets. A strategic approach to IP creates competitive advantage, supports valuation and attracts investment.
IP Corporate Advisory — Overview
Corporate IP advisory goes beyond registration and enforcement to address the strategic role of intellectual property in your business. We advise businesses — from startups to established enterprises — on building IP portfolios aligned with business strategy, supporting fundraising and M&A transactions, and generating revenue through licensing and commercialisation.
Our approach combines deep IP expertise with a practical understanding of business realities — we advise not just on what can be registered, but on what should be registered, when, and in which territories, to maximise the return on your IP investment.
Our IP Corporate Advisory Services
Systematic review of all IP assets — owned, licensed in and licensed out. Identifies gaps, risks, expiring rights, unregistered IP and monetisation opportunities.
Ongoing administration of your IP portfolio — renewal tracking, competitor monitoring, strategic filing decisions and alignment with evolving business strategy.
IP assessment for M&A, investments and joint ventures — ownership verification, validity assessment, encumbrances and risk identification for transaction parties.
Developing licensing frameworks, drafting licensing agreements and advising on royalty structures — to monetise IP rights without transferring ownership.
Comprehensive IP roadmap — trademark registration, patent filing, NDA implementation, employee IP assignment and investor-ready IP documentation for startups.
Internal IP policies for corporates — employee IP ownership, confidentiality protocols, social media IP guidelines and contractor IP assignment frameworks.
IP Due Diligence for M&A — What We Cover
- Verification of ownership of all claimed IP rights — registered and unregistered
- Search of Trade Marks Register, Patent Register and Design Register
- Assessment of validity and enforceability of all registered rights
- Review of all IP licences — in-bound and out-bound — and their assignability
- Identification of IP not yet registered — unregistered marks, inventions, copyrights
- Review of employee and contractor agreements — IP assignment clauses
- Identification of third-party IP used in the business — licences, open source
- Assessment of IP disputes — ongoing litigation, opposition and revocation proceedings
IP Advisory Process
Initial Consultation
We understand your business, industry and specific IP advisory requirements
IP Audit
Comprehensive review of all existing IP assets — registered and unregistered
Gap Analysis
We identify IP gaps, risks, expiring rights and untapped opportunities
Strategy Report
Detailed IP strategy report with prioritised recommendations and action plan
Implementation
We implement the agreed strategy — registrations, agreements, policies
Ongoing Advisory
Continued IP advisory support as your business grows and evolves
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IP audit?
An IP audit is a systematic, comprehensive review of a company's IP assets — trademarks, patents, copyrights, designs and trade secrets — whether owned, licensed in or licensed out. It assesses legal status and commercial relevance, identifies gaps where valuable IP is unprotected, highlights risks such as expiring rights or potential third-party claims, and uncovers monetisation opportunities through licensing or assignment.
Why is IP due diligence important in M&A transactions?
IP is often the most valuable asset being acquired — particularly in technology, pharmaceutical, FMCG and media businesses. Due diligence verifies that the target actually owns its claimed IP, assesses validity and enforceability, identifies encumbrances such as licences and pledges, reveals ongoing IP disputes, and highlights unregistered IP that needs protection. These findings directly affect valuation, deal structure and representations in the transaction documents.
What is an IP licensing agreement?
An IP licensing agreement is a contract by which the IP owner grants another party the right to use the IP in specified ways — for a defined purpose, territory and duration — in exchange for royalties or a lump sum. Licensing monetises IP rights without transferring ownership. Licences can be exclusive, sole or non-exclusive. We draft, review and negotiate IP licensing agreements across all categories of IP.
What is IP portfolio management?
IP portfolio management is the ongoing, active administration of a company's IP rights. It involves tracking renewal deadlines to prevent lapses, monitoring competitors' new trademark and patent filings, assessing the continuing commercial value of each registered right, making strategic decisions on new filings in additional classes or territories, and ensuring the IP portfolio remains aligned with the company's evolving products, services and business strategy.
How can a startup build a strong IP portfolio?
Startups should take a structured approach from day one: register the brand name and logo as a trademark before launch; file a provisional patent for any technical innovation before public disclosure; register copyright for software and creative works; execute NDAs with all employees, co-founders, advisors and contractors; ensure IP assignment clauses in all employment and contractor agreements; and conduct a formal IP audit before any fundraising round to ensure investor-ready IP documentation.
Official Resource: For official information, visit the WIPO — What is Intellectual Property? — the authoritative government source for IP matters in India.