Mergers & Acquisitions

Resources: Glossary

Don’t be confused or intimidated by any terms or abbreviations in the M&A world. You’ll find answers here.

Intellectual Property (IP)

Definition

A business’ legally protectable intangible assets, including patents, copyrights, trade names, domain names, trade secrets, and trademarks or service marks.

See Also

Trademark.

Tips

Intellectual property (IP) can include both registered and unregistered IP. Registered IP includes patents, copyrights, trade names, domain names, and trademarks or service marks. Non-registered IP can include a range of trade secrets, and other proprietary intangible property. Non-registered IP is more difficult to protect, and therefore, stronger agreements are required prior to accepting a letter of intent and allowing a buyer to perform due diligence on a business.

Related Resources

M&A Guide | Selling Your Business to a Competitor