Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom

We can perform IP audits, where we spend time with you and consider how specific IP issues may apply to your business.

The UKIPO offers part-funding for IP audits to the value of £3000 inclusive of VAT, via its partners Scottish Enterprise and Innovate UK EDGE. We work with this scheme, as well as offering a comprehensive range of auditing and due diligence services.

Practice Lead: Iain McCrindle

Through an IP audit, we spend time with you and consider how specific IP issues may apply to your business. The report contains actionable insights and practical guidance.

Applications for the funding should be directed through the UKIPO’s partners in England, Wales or Scotland. The audit will include preparation work, a meeting or a visit to your premises and a report with action points covering:

 

Patents

Identification of existing patents, review of potentially patentable innovations, basic investigation regarding patent infringement.

Trade Marks

Identification of existing trade marks, advice on ensuring trade marks are free to use before being introduced, identification of possible infringement of third party rights.

Designs

Identification of existing rights, advice on protection through Design Right and/or Community Design Right, identification of possible infringement of third party rights.

Copyright

Identification of copyright works (for example, databases, websites, marketing/promotional material), advice on ownership of copyright, procedure for establishing date of creation, copyright indicators on protectable works, and database rights.

IP Management

Advice on confidentiality (non-disclosure) agreements, trade secrets, know-how, employee agreements, IP policy governance, licensing; and evaluation of IP policy including registration, renewal systems, monitoring/watching services, enforcement and international filing strategies.

Other Auditing and Due Diligence Services

We also offer independent IP audit services that cover each of these aspects in greater detail, as well as due diligence work to support investment or valuation projects, on either side of the table.

“Scintilla have been extremely useful for us, helping to understand the value of our IP in its wider view. They have undertaken an IP Audit investigating our possibilities for patents and to give us confidence that we do not violate existing patents. It also comes with valuable recommendations about working practices with external organisations, the value of Design rights and Trade Marks as part of our IP portfolio.”

Scintilla Startup Client