The above checklists help a team engaged in due diligence make sure they have covered all their bases. Asking questions is one thing, finding a quick way to get solid answers is another. The following examples show how items described in the IP due diligence checklist can be investigated and evaluated.

Using databases and patent analytics it’s possible to visualize and evaluate the company, division or unit and post-acquisition IP issues. Key activities and questions are shown in the “Specific Activities and Questions of the Due Diligence Process” figure.