An IP audit is an inventory of what intellectual property the business has, who owns it, where it is documented, and what its commercial value is. Most growing businesses have more IP than they realise (software, trade marks, trade dress, design rights, copyright in marketing and product materials, know-how) and significantly less documentation of it than they need.

When an IP audit earns its place

The audit produces a register, a set of recommendations on what to register or formalise, and a clear picture of any gaps (assignments missing, licences verbal, ownership unclear).

The output is most useful at points of transition: pre-funding round, pre-sale, or post-acquisition, when somebody is going to ask. Done in advance, the audit gives the business control of the narrative; done under deadline, it reveals problems at the worst time.

This service is for a business with up to 20 employees or £2m turnover. Larger audits are quoted separately.

Example: a typical scope and fixed fee

For a business with up to 20 employees or £2m turnover, the typical scope looks like this.

What's included

  • A consultation and questionnaire to map your IP assets
  • Review of key IP-related documents (employment contracts, consultancy agreements, licence agreements, and brand registrations)
  • A written IP audit report identifying owned IP, licensed IP, gaps in protection, and recommended actions
  • A follow-up call to discuss the findings and priorities

What's outside this scope

  • Businesses with more than 20 employees or £2m turnover (I can quote for larger audits)
  • IP registration or filing (trademark applications, patent filings, etc.)
  • Implementing the recommendations (I can quote for individual items)
  • Tax advice

Fixed fee: £595, no VAT.

How I will approach your matter

Once you have instructed me, I will use a structured questionnaire to map your IP assets, review your key IP-related documents, and produce a comprehensive written report identifying what you own, what is licensed, where the gaps are, and what to do about them.

To instruct me, or to talk through whether this is the right service for your matter, email geoffrey@caesar.co.uk. I aim to reply within 24 hours.