Check whether your IP position will stand up under scrutiny

It is commonly used by businesses preparing for investment, a sale, licensing discussions, distribution arrangements or a major commercial partnership where IP is a key part of value. It can also be useful for software businesses, agencies, product companies and brand-led businesses that have grown quickly and want to test whether ownership records are in order. If founders, employees, freelancers or external developers have all contributed to core assets, a review can help identify whether the paperwork matches the commercial story being presented to investors or counterparties.

Common issues include missing assignment documents, trade marks filed in the wrong name, unclear ownership of code or creative assets, and licences that do not permit the way the business is actually using the IP. We also often see contractor arrangements with weak IP wording, open source use without clear records, and brand assets being used before registration strategy is settled. These issues can affect valuation, negotiation leverage or deal timing. The legal position can depend on the documents, the commercial context and the way the relationship actually functions, especially where historic arrangements were informal.

The review usually includes the main IP assets and the supporting documents available for them. That may involve trade mark records, copyright materials, software development agreements, founder and contractor assignments, employment clauses dealing with IP, licence agreements and any materials showing known infringement or brand concerns. We assess the legal position presented by those documents and prepare a written report identifying ownership gaps, licensing concerns, enforceability issues and practical next steps. If remedial documents or transaction support are needed afterwards, those would normally be separate pieces of work.

A document drafting service usually deals with one specific legal instrument, such as an assignment, consent or licence. An IP due diligence review is broader. It looks across the asset base and the supporting paperwork to test whether ownership, permissions and risk points line up properly. The aim is not just to produce one document, but to identify what is already in place, what is missing and what could create questions in a deal process. That broader view is often important where several contributors, historic contracts or multiple IP types are involved.

Yes. Existing IP registers, audit spreadsheets, data room folders and earlier diligence materials can be a useful starting point, particularly if you are trying to prepare efficiently for investment or a sale. We can use those materials to map the asset picture, then test the summaries against the underlying agreements, filings and ownership records. That matters because a register may look complete while the supporting documents reveal gaps, inconsistencies or missing links in the chain of title. The review is strongest when the underlying paperwork can be checked against the summary documents.

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They'll send you a fixed fee quote outlining costs, scope, and timing. If you're happy, you can accept and sign our engagement letter online. Once that's done, we'll connect you with an expert lawyer who will complete your project via email, phone, or video chat, with the timing confirmed in your quote.

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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 £100 to £1,500 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.

Sprintlaw UK operates fully virtually, with the team working online across the UK to provide support to startups and small businesses nationwide. Many of our team are based in London and often meet at co-working offices, but our operations remain fully digital, ensuring flexibility and efficiency for both our clients and team.