IP Due Diligence Checklist
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DUE DILIGENCE CHECKLIST
TRANSACTION INFORMATION
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Transaction Name/Code: | _________________________________ |
| Target Company: | _________________________________ |
| Acquirer/Investor: | _________________________________ |
| Transaction Type: | ☐ Acquisition ☐ Merger ☐ Investment ☐ Partnership ☐ Licensing ☐ Other: _______ |
| Due Diligence Period: | From: __________ To: __________ |
| Lead Reviewer: | _________________________________ |
| Date of Report: | _________________________________ |
SECTION 1: PATENT DUE DILIGENCE
1.1 Patent Portfolio Identification
☐ Request complete list of patents and patent applications
- U.S. patents
- Foreign patents and PCT applications
- Pending applications
- Provisional applications
- Continuations, divisionals, CIPs
☐ Obtain copies of all patent documents
- Issued patent certificates
- Patent applications (as-filed and published)
- Office actions and responses
- Claims (issued and pending)
☐ Verify ownership chain
- Original inventor assignments
- Chain of title documentation
- Assignment recordations with USPTO
- Employment/consulting agreements with inventors
1.2 Patent Portfolio Analysis
| Patent Number | Title | Filing Date | Issue Date | Expiration Date | Status | Owner of Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patent Status Review:
☐ Confirm all maintenance fees are current
☐ Calculate remaining patent term for each patent
☐ Identify any patent term adjustments (PTA) or extensions (PTE)
☐ Review terminal disclaimers
☐ Check for reissue or reexamination proceedings
☐ Verify status of all pending applications
1.3 Patent Validity Assessment
For Key Patents:
☐ Review file history for prosecution history estoppel issues
☐ Assess claim scope and coverage
☐ Identify potentially invalidating prior art
☐ Review any inter partes review (IPR) or post-grant review (PGR) proceedings
☐ Evaluate enablement and written description support
☐ Check for any inventorship issues
1.4 Freedom to Operate Analysis
☐ Identify patents potentially infringed by target's products/services
☐ Review existing third-party patent licenses
☐ Assess exposure to patent infringement claims
☐ Identify any design-around opportunities
☐ Review any prior invalidity/non-infringement opinions
1.5 Patent Encumbrances
☐ Identify all existing licenses
- Exclusive vs. non-exclusive
- Field of use restrictions
- Geographic limitations
- Royalty obligations
- Sublicensing rights
☐ Check for security interests
- UCC filings
- Patent security agreements
- Assignment as collateral
☐ Review government rights
- Bayh-Dole Act obligations (35 U.S.C. Sections 200-212)
- March-in rights
- U.S. manufacturing requirements
1.6 Patent-Related Documents to Review
☐ All patent license agreements (in and out)
☐ Cross-license agreements
☐ Settlement agreements involving patents
☐ Patent purchase/sale agreements
☐ Research collaboration agreements
☐ Joint development agreements
☐ Government grants and contracts
☐ Patent pool participation agreements
☐ Standards body commitments (FRAND/RAND)
SECTION 2: TRADEMARK DUE DILIGENCE
2.1 Trademark Portfolio Identification
☐ Request complete list of trademarks
- Registered marks (federal, state, foreign)
- Pending applications
- Common law marks
- Service marks
- Trade dress
- Trade names
- Domain names
☐ Obtain trademark documentation
- Registration certificates
- Application documents
- Specimens of use
- Declaration of use filings
2.2 Trademark Portfolio Analysis
| Mark | Type | Reg/App No. | Reg Date | Renewal Due | Classes | Goods/Services | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trademark Status Review:
☐ Verify all registrations are current
☐ Confirm Sections 8 & 15 declarations filed (if applicable)
☐ Review upcoming renewal dates
☐ Identify marks at risk of abandonment
☐ Verify proper use and specimens
2.3 Trademark Strength Assessment
☐ Evaluate distinctiveness of key marks
☐ Review evidence of secondary meaning (if applicable)
☐ Assess fame status for dilution protection
☐ Identify any genericness concerns
☐ Review brand recognition and market surveys
2.4 Trademark Clearance
☐ Conduct comprehensive trademark searches for key marks
☐ Identify potential conflicts with third-party marks
☐ Review coexistence and consent agreements
☐ Assess likelihood of confusion with competing marks
☐ Evaluate exposure to opposition/cancellation proceedings
2.5 Trademark Enforcement History
☐ Review trademark enforcement actions taken
☐ Identify cease and desist letters sent/received
☐ Review TTAB proceedings (oppositions, cancellations)
☐ Assess consistency of enforcement program
☐ Evaluate potential naked licensing issues
2.6 Domain Names
| Domain Name | Registrar | Reg Date | Exp Date | Registrant | Associated Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
☐ Verify domain ownership matches target
☐ Review domain portfolio for completeness
☐ Identify defensive registrations
☐ Review UDRP/URS history
☐ Assess domain security measures
SECTION 3: COPYRIGHT DUE DILIGENCE
3.1 Copyright Asset Identification
☐ Identify all copyrightable works
- Software (source code and object code)
- Documentation and manuals
- Marketing materials
- Website content
- Publications and reports
- Databases and compilations
- Audiovisual works
- Graphic designs
☐ Obtain copyright registrations
- U.S. Copyright Office registrations
- Foreign registrations
3.2 Copyright Ownership Analysis
| Work | Type | Reg No. | Reg Date | Author(s) | Owner | Work Made for Hire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ Yes ☐ No | ||||||
| ☐ Yes ☐ No |
Ownership Verification:
☐ Review work-for-hire agreements with employees
☐ Review copyright assignment agreements
☐ Verify contractor/consultant agreements include IP assignment
☐ Assess joint authorship situations
☐ Confirm no unassigned author rights
3.3 Software-Specific Due Diligence
☐ Source code ownership
- Verify complete chain of title
- Review developer agreements
- Assess offshore development agreements
- Confirm all contributions assigned
☐ Open source compliance
- Identify all open source components
- Review open source licenses used
- Assess copyleft exposure (GPL, AGPL, etc.)
- Review SBOM (Software Bill of Materials)
- Verify license compliance procedures
☐ Third-party code
- Identify licensed third-party components
- Review third-party license terms
- Verify compliance with license restrictions
3.4 Copyright Licenses
☐ Review all copyright licenses granted (out-licenses)
☐ Review all copyright licenses received (in-licenses)
☐ Identify any exclusive licenses
☐ Assess royalty obligations
☐ Review content licensing agreements
SECTION 4: TRADE SECRET DUE DILIGENCE
4.1 Trade Secret Identification
☐ Identify categories of trade secrets
- Technical information (formulas, processes, methods)
- Business information (customer lists, pricing, strategies)
- Software and algorithms
- Research and development data
- Manufacturing know-how
☐ Assess trade secret value
- Competitive advantage provided
- Development costs
- Potential revenue impact
4.2 Trade Secret Protection Measures
☐ Physical security
- Facility access controls
- Document security
- Visitor policies
☐ Electronic security
- Access controls and authentication
- Encryption measures
- Data loss prevention tools
- Network security
☐ Personnel security
- Confidentiality agreements with employees
- Exit interview procedures
- Training programs
- Non-compete agreements (where enforceable)
☐ Third-party relationships
- NDAs with contractors/vendors
- Confidentiality provisions in commercial agreements
- Due diligence on third-party security
4.3 Trade Secret Documentation
☐ Review trade secret policies
☐ Review confidentiality agreement templates
☐ Review DTSA notice provisions in employment agreements
☐ Verify trade secret inventory/registry
☐ Review incident response procedures
4.4 Trade Secret Risks
☐ Identify any actual or suspected misappropriation
☐ Review departing employee procedures
☐ Assess vulnerability to disclosure
☐ Identify any prior confidentiality breaches
☐ Review trade secret litigation history
SECTION 5: IP AGREEMENTS REVIEW
5.1 Licensing Agreements (In-Licenses)
| Licensor | IP Type | Exclusive | Territory | Term | Royalty | Assignable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ | ☐ Yes ☐ No | |||||
| ☐ | ☐ Yes ☐ No |
Key Issues to Review:
☐ Scope of licensed rights
☐ Field of use restrictions
☐ Sublicensing rights
☐ Assignment/change of control provisions
☐ Termination provisions
☐ Audit rights
☐ Indemnification provisions
5.2 Licensing Agreements (Out-Licenses)
| Licensee | IP Type | Exclusive | Territory | Term | Revenue | Assignable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ | ☐ Yes ☐ No | |||||
| ☐ | ☐ Yes ☐ No |
Key Issues to Review:
☐ Exclusive license obligations
☐ Most favored nations provisions
☐ Audit rights and compliance
☐ Termination rights
☐ Change of control provisions
5.3 Research and Development Agreements
☐ University/research institution agreements
☐ Government grants and contracts
☐ Joint development agreements
☐ Sponsored research agreements
☐ Clinical trial agreements
Key Issues:
☐ IP ownership and allocation
☐ Publication rights
☐ Background IP provisions
☐ Government rights (Bayh-Dole)
5.4 Other IP-Related Agreements
☐ Settlement agreements
☐ Coexistence agreements
☐ Non-assertion covenants
☐ Standards body agreements
☐ Technology transfer agreements
☐ Manufacturing agreements (IP provisions)
☐ Distribution agreements (IP provisions)
SECTION 6: IP LITIGATION AND DISPUTES
6.1 Current Litigation
| Case Name | Forum | IP Type | Status | Damages/Exposure | Outcome Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
☐ Review all pending complaints and answers
☐ Assess potential liability exposure
☐ Review insurance coverage
☐ Identify indemnification obligations/rights
☐ Assess impact on transaction
6.2 Threatened Claims
☐ Review cease and desist letters received
☐ Assess potential claims identified
☐ Review legal opinions obtained
☐ Identify potential plaintiffs/claimants
6.3 Historical Litigation
☐ Review past IP litigation
☐ Assess settlement obligations
☐ Review judgments and orders
☐ Identify any ongoing compliance obligations
6.4 Administrative Proceedings
☐ USPTO proceedings (IPR, PGR, reexam)
☐ TTAB proceedings
☐ ITC investigations
☐ UDRP/URS proceedings
☐ Foreign administrative proceedings
SECTION 7: REGULATORY AND COMPLIANCE
7.1 Export Controls
☐ Identify IP subject to export controls
☐ Review export licenses obtained
☐ Assess deemed export issues
☐ Verify compliance with ITAR/EAR
7.2 Industry-Specific Regulations
☐ FDA regulations (for pharmaceutical/medical device IP)
☐ Data protection regulations (GDPR, CCPA)
☐ Financial services regulations
☐ Telecommunications regulations
7.3 Standards and Certifications
☐ Review standard-essential patents
☐ Assess FRAND/RAND commitments
☐ Review standards body participation
☐ Identify certification requirements
SECTION 8: IP MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION
8.1 IP Management Practices
☐ Review IP policy and procedures
☐ Assess IP decision-making processes
☐ Review IP budget and spending
☐ Evaluate IP team capabilities
☐ Review outside counsel relationships
8.2 IP Maintenance
☐ Review patent/trademark docket management
☐ Verify fee payment procedures
☐ Assess renewal tracking systems
☐ Review deadline management processes
8.3 Invention Disclosure Process
☐ Review invention disclosure procedures
☐ Assess inventor training programs
☐ Review invention capture rates
☐ Evaluate prior art searching processes
SECTION 9: VALUATION CONSIDERATIONS
9.1 IP Value Assessment
☐ Identify core/crown jewel IP assets
☐ Assess IP contribution to revenue
☐ Review IP-related cost savings
☐ Evaluate defensive value of IP
☐ Assess licensing/monetization potential
9.2 Market Analysis
☐ Review competitive landscape
☐ Assess technology trends
☐ Evaluate market size for IP applications
☐ Identify potential acquirers/licensees
9.3 Risk Factors
☐ Expiration dates of key IP
☐ Validity challenges
☐ Infringement exposure
☐ Regulatory changes
☐ Technology obsolescence
SECTION 10: DUE DILIGENCE SUMMARY
10.1 Key Findings
Strengths:
- _________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________
Weaknesses:
- _________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________
Opportunities:
- _________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________
Threats:
- _________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________
10.2 Risk Assessment
| Risk Category | Level | Description | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | ☐ High ☐ Med ☐ Low | ||
| Validity | ☐ High ☐ Med ☐ Low | ||
| Infringement | ☐ High ☐ Med ☐ Low | ||
| Encumbrances | ☐ High ☐ Med ☐ Low | ||
| Litigation | ☐ High ☐ Med ☐ Low | ||
| Compliance | ☐ High ☐ Med ☐ Low |
10.3 Recommendations
☐ Proceed with transaction as proposed
☐ Proceed with transaction subject to conditions: _________________________
☐ Renegotiate transaction terms to address: _____________________________
☐ Require specific representations and warranties regarding: _______________
☐ Require indemnification for: _________________________________________
☐ Require escrow for potential liabilities: _______________________________
☐ Do not proceed with transaction
10.4 Follow-Up Items
| Item | Responsible Party | Due Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ Open ☐ Closed | |||
| ☐ Open ☐ Closed | |||
| ☐ Open ☐ Closed |
REVIEWER CERTIFICATION
I certify that this due diligence checklist has been completed to the best of my knowledge based on the documents and information provided.
Reviewer Name: _________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________
Date: _________________________________________
Title/Role: ____________________________________
NOTICE: This checklist is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. IP due diligence requires analysis by qualified professionals with expertise in intellectual property law. The scope and depth of due diligence should be tailored to the specific transaction. Consult with qualified intellectual property counsel before relying on this checklist.
About This Template
Intellectual property law protects inventions, brand names, creative works, and trade secrets. Filings with federal IP offices have strict formal requirements, and demand letters or licensing agreements have to identify the exact rights being claimed. Weak IP paperwork makes it harder to enforce your rights against copycats, harder to sell or license your IP, and easier for someone else to claim it first.
Important Notice
This template is provided for informational purposes. It is not legal advice. We recommend having an attorney review any legal document before signing, especially for high-value or complex matters.
Last updated: February 2026
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