Intellectual Property Audit

Definition

A systematic review of a company's intellectual property portfolio — including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, domain names, and licences — to assess ownership, validity, enforceability, freedom to operate, and commercial relevance. IP audits are essential in M&A due diligence, technology licensing negotiations, and litigation preparation. A thorough IP audit identifies gaps in protection, risks from third-party claims, opportunities for monetisation, and the alignment of IP assets with business strategy.