Legal Intellectual Property Due Diligence Checklist

Review all registrations and applications for copyrights

Evaluate licensee and distribution agreements

Inspect copyright enforcement actions

Assess copyright acquisition agreements

Examine issues relating to authorship and ownership

Review all trademark registrations and applications

Analyze related goodwill and reputation

Examine enforcement actions

Evaluate market exclusivity agreements

Assess cease and desist letters

Review all patent registrations and applications

Assess patent licenses

Investigate invention assignments

Confirm proper employee and consultant agreements

Inspect enforcement and infringement issues

Review agreements for restriction on use and disclosure

Assess measures to maintain secrecy

Examine scope of trade secrets

Check consultant and independent contractor agreements

Evaluate employee nondisclosure agreements

Review all domain registrations and acquisitions

Evaluate domain name transfer agreements

Assess relevant terms of service

Check domain name disputes and resolutions

Inspect cybersquatting issues