Understand the IP issues that could affect value, leverage and deal timing

It can help well before a sale. An IP due diligence review is often used ahead of investment, licensing, fundraising, distribution deals or a broader commercialisation plan, especially where software, branding, content, designs or know-how drive value. The review looks at whether the company actually owns or has rights to use the IP it depends on, and whether there are gaps that could affect negotiations. This service You will get a clear view of the legal issues and the next steps that matter. if counterparties raise additional concerns.

The most common issues are ownership gaps and weak paperwork. Examples include founder-created IP never being assigned to the company, contractor work without a signed assignment, trade marks filed in the wrong entity name, software built under unclear development terms, and licences that do not cover current products, territories or channels. We also often see missing confidentiality terms around valuable know-how. These issues can affect valuation, trigger extra warranties or indemnities, or delay a deal while documents are cleaned up. The factual context and document trail usually matter as much as the contract wording.

An IP lawyer consult is usually best where you have a specific question, and a trade mark search is narrower again because it tests one brand or filing issue. An IP due diligence review is wider in scope. It examines how registrations, assignments, licences, development agreements and actual commercial use fit together across the business. That makes it useful when a buyer, investor or licence partner wants comfort that the business controls the IP it relies on. In practice, it is less about one isolated right and more about the overall chain of title and usage position.

The review is most useful when you can provide the key documents that show ownership and use of the IP. That often includes trade mark or design registration details, assignment deeds, licence agreements, employment and contractor IP clauses, software development agreements, confidentiality agreements, brand guidelines, website terms, and records of any restructure, founder exit or acquisition. If there are overseas filings or cross-border licences, include those too. We do not need every historical file, but missing core documents can limit how far the review can go and may affect the practical recommendations.

That is a common outcome, and often where the review adds the most value. If we identify gaps, the next step is usually to rank them by commercial importance and timing. For example, a missing contractor assignment may need a clean-up deed before investment, while an unregistered brand issue may call for a filing strategy or a disclosure position in the deal documents. The service identifies the problem areas and practical next steps, but corrective work is usually a separate scope. Timing will depend on how many documents are missing and whether third parties need to sign anything.

As an online law firm, we eliminate the headaches of paying us by the hour and finding time to meet with a lawyer in person. We charge a fixed fee, with upfront quotes and transparent pricing, and communicate via phone, email and video chat - whichever suits you! You'll be guided through our process by our expert lawyers, who are Australian-qualified and specialise in technology, intellectual property, contract drafting, corporate and commercial law.

At Sprintlaw, our pricing is transparent and designed for startups and small businesses. Many one-off legal services, including document drafting and reviews, are provided for a fixed fee with an upfront quote before you proceed.

Prices typically range from $250 to $2,500 AUD depending on the complexity and scope of the work. For ongoing support, Sprintlaw Memberships include options such as legal templates, consultations, a legal helpline and credits for services.

If your project is larger or more complex, we will provide a tailored quote after understanding what you need.

Our law firm operates completely online, which means we can help you wherever you are in Australia. We work at The Commons Central - a cool co-working space in Chippendale, Sydney - but our lawyers often work flexibly across various locations.

Our lawyers also work from co-working spaces and home offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, so clients can get help online without needing to meet in person.