Intellectual Property Audit

In today's innovation-driven economy, intellectual property has become one of the most valuable assets for businesses. Rights owners have their IP assets audited to assess value and related risks. Such audits may be either regular or event specific.

Intellectual property valuation reports may be required for mergers and acquisitions, new product launches, or in connection with any licensing plans, among others.

By conducting an IP audit, businesses may expect the following outcomes:
• Reduced costs
• Increased revenue
• Eliminated or mitigated risks
• Enhanced investor confidence to facilitate investment

When conducting an IP audit, we identify the client's objectives and compile a comprehensive list of intellectual property assets. The resulting analysis provides a detailed roadmap for the legal protection of these valuable assets.

IP due diligence

Together with the client, identify audit objectives and scope

Draft a request for documents and information and set up a data room

Review the documents provided

Review other sources of information

Draft a due diligence report outlining findings and recommendations
Audit results:

Intellectual property record-keeping system is established

IP assets are prioritized for registration and renewal

IP assets are prioritized for registration and renewal

Risk elimination strategy is developed and implemented

Advised Warner Music Russia in its acquisition of Zhara Music, a leading Russian indie label boasting a stellar roster of artists, including HammAli & Navai, Rauf & Faik, and Jony. Our comprehensive intellectual property audit involved the review of over 2,000 documents, including contracts for the transfer of rights to 280 musical tracks and 120 artists

Warner Music Russia

Conducted an IP audit in connection with our client’s licensing agreements with three major rights owners of audiobooks, podcasts, musical works, and radio content. In addition to reviewing license transactions, we negotiated with the rights owners and advised on negotiation strategies. We mitigated legal risks and protected the client's interests by ensuring successful contract negotiations in Russian and English

Conducted verification of rights to the printed and online versions of a magazine in connection with a proposed transfer of rights. We reviewed articles, photographs, artwork, website, trademarks, domain, social media accounts, certificates, and instruments of incorporation of a mass media company. Based on our comprehensive analysis, we prepared a detailed asset valuation report, risk matrix, and recommendations, and drafted a package of model documents for intellectual property registration

Conducted an audit of a music label in connection with its acquisition by our client. The target label was checked for potential risks stemming from registration of its intellectual property rights, assignment of shares, and other risks related to labor law, personal data protection, lease relations, liabilities, and outstanding disputes. The audit findings enabled the client to accurately assess the value of the assets and mitigate the legal risks identified