Before starting with IP Due Diligence for Startups — the process of reviewing a startup's intellectual property assets and risks, typically before fundraising or acquisition — it helps to have everything ready in advance. Here's the checklist relevant to startups preparing for investment rounds or M&A discussions.
The Checklist
✓ List of all registered and pending IP assets
✓ Ownership confirmation — especially IP created by founders, employees, or contractors
✓ IP assignment agreements with employees and contractors
✓ Search for potential infringement risks in the business's own branding
✓ Licensing agreements involving third-party IP
✓ Domain name and social media handle ownership records
Why Preparation Matters
Missing or incomplete documentation is one of the most common reasons applications get delayed with standard practice conducted by legal/IP advisors as part of deal diligence. Having this list ready before you begin can meaningfully speed up the process.
Once You Have Everything Ready
- Compile a complete inventory of IP assets and their status
- Verify ownership is properly assigned to the company, not individuals
- Identify gaps like missing trademark filings or unclear ownership
- Address gaps before diligence begins in earnest with investors
Need Help With This?
Leegal's team handles registration, compliance, and advisory work like this end-to-end, with transparent pricing and a dedicated point of contact throughout.
Call: +91 95721 91163 | Email: mail@leegal.in