Increasingly in knowledge intensive businesses, intellectual property (IP) assets are key drivers to market success and valuation. Fundamental to the development of a robust IP strategy is a thorough understanding of the business' IP portfolio, which may include patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, domain names, and industrial designs. An IP audit provides just such an insight.

What is an IP Audit?

An IP audit is a systematic review of the IP owned and/or used by an entity. It involves identifying IP assets and assessing their nature and scope to evaluate potential risks and opportunities. Extensive audits also include reviewing third party rights. In many ways, an IP audit is similar to a due diligence review for an M&A deal.

An IP audit is guided by specific objectives. Where a business is more focused on a particular type of IP asset or line of business, the IP audit may be directed at those priorities rather than on the business' entire IP portfolio. Similarly, the comprehensiveness of the review can be adjusted to meet any financial constraints.

Establishing a well-defined audit scope provides a framework within which to create a tailored document checklist to guide the review. Relevant documents include those that define the scope and ownership of an IP right including any limitations or encumbrances. Documents include, for example:

  1. Registrations and applications for rights (i.e. domestic and international registrations and pending applications for patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs and domain names, etc.)
  2. Agreements (i.e. licensing agreements, assignment agreements, settlement agreements, joint venture agreements, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, employee and contractor agreements, security agreements, etc.)
  3. Other IP-related documents (i.e. legal opinions, clearance searches, threat letters, litigation proceedings, company policies and procedures, etc.)

While documents form the major source of information for an audit, it is imperative to have assistance from knowledgeable personnel with sufficient authority to ensure an audit progresses smoothly, on time and on budget.

Why Conduct an IP Audit?

Below are four common reasons for an IP audit:

1) Identify potential anomalies

Ownership inconsistencies between what is believed to be owned by an entity and what is reflected in public records are often identified. An IP owner can take measures to clean up title inaccuracies.

A review of policies and procedures can identify systemic issues and provide an impetus to adopt best practices.

2) Identify potential gaps in IP protection

Mapping is the process of associating IP rights with specific aspects of the business. Mapping shows where the business is covered and where it is not. Steps may be taken to resolve the gaps or boost coverage.

3) Identify potential cost-savings and efficiencies

The maintenance of registered IP rights often comes at a cost through maintenance fees. Mapping also identifies those assets that are unused, under-utilized or otherwise no longer valued. Allowing those registered rights to lapse saves unnecessary expenses for re-allocation elsewhere, driving higher value. Such rights may provide an opportunity for sale or license to others.

Opportunities to improve the management of the portfolio can be identified. If different representatives (attorneys or agents) are responsible for different portfolio assets, there may be inefficiencies in coordinating and managing the portfolio. Consolidating management to fewer representatives can improve efficiency and lower costs.

4) Identify potential risks

Agreement review may reveal compliance issues. For example, undertakings given in a settlement agreement or the terms of a licensing agreement may restrict a business' rights to use an IP asset. Reviewing operational activities can ensure that the business is in compliance with its agreements to avoid infringement or breach of contract.

Certain IP assets may be susceptible to being extinguished. For instance, registered trademarks may be cancelled for non-use and use may be resumed in an effort to preserve the registration.

Conclusion

For businesses that have invested in the development or acquisition of IP assets, conducting an IP audit can help provide valuable insights and opportunities. Once audited, a business will be in a better position to strengthen its IP portfolio and harness its value.