An IP review starts with the business plan and the assets that support it. Use this checklist to organize a discussion before launching, hiring contributors, licensing assets, or entering a transaction. The appropriate steps depend on the business; the list does not establish that rights are secured.
1. Inventory the assets and their creators
List inventions, product names, logos, code, photographs, written material, designs, and valuable confidential information. Record who created each asset and when. Identify earlier employer, university, collaborator, or customer involvement that may affect ownership.
2. Check ownership and permissions
Collect employee and contractor agreements, assignments, licenses, and collaboration terms. Payment alone may not establish ownership of commissioned copyright work. Identify stock images, software components, or third-party materials and their license conditions. See copyright ownership and licensing.
3. Plan around launch and disclosure dates
Create a timeline of planned demonstrations, offers for sale, publications, releases, and investor presentations. Public disclosure can affect patent rights, especially outside the United States. Certain inventor disclosures may qualify for a U.S. grace period, but relying on it can create risk. Discuss filing strategy before disclosure. A provisional application is not an issued patent and does not replace later filing requirements.
4. Check the proposed brand
Search beyond exact spelling and available domain names. Provide the goods, services, customers, and intended markets for a trademark clearance review. Coordinate naming decisions with packaging, marketing, and launch commitments.
5. Protect confidential information in practice
Identify sensitive information, limit access by role, use appropriate agreements, and document how information is shared and returned. Review account access when relationships end. Our trade secret guide covers practical considerations.
6. Maintain records and review changes
Keep filing receipts, registrations, ownership records, license terms, and correspondence in an organized system. Track applicable deadlines with the responsible adviser. Review new products, new markets, contributor changes, and financing or acquisition plans rather than assuming an earlier assessment still covers them.
Prepare for the next discussion
Bring your asset list, timeline, agreements, and commercial priorities. Explain the budget and which decisions are urgent. See preparing for an IP consultation and our licensing services.
Contact Lowry Blixseth APC
Contact the firm in Agoura Hills or call 818.584.6460 to discuss your IP question, objectives, and any deadlines.