Startup intellectual property audit
A review of who owns a startup's code, brand, designs and inventions, with a list of gaps to fix before investment.
What is included
- Reviews what your business owns, uses and licenses
- Identifies intellectual property and regulatory issues and how to address them
- Prepares a written summary or opinion with recommendations
- Advises on contracts, registrations and next steps
What is not included
- Government filing and registration fees and other disbursements
- Foreign lawyers or agents for protection outside Canada
- Appeals, or court proceedings not covered by the lawyer's written retainer
- Technical, valuation or accounting work
Who this service is for
- Startups and growing businesses
- Investors or buyers reviewing a company's intellectual property
- Creators, inventors and software developers
- Businesses using AI, data or digital platforms
Information to have ready
- 1A list of your products, brands, software and content
- 2Existing registrations, applications and licences
- 3Agreements with employees, contractors and partners
- 4Any letters or claims from third parties
How a referral works
- 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
- 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
- 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
- 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights
Frequently asked questions
What does the lawyer charge?
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $2,000–$6,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
Do I own work that a contractor created for me?
Not automatically. Without a written assignment, a contractor may keep the copyright or other rights, so written agreements matter.
Who else works on patents and trademarks?
Applications before the Canadian Intellectual Property Office are often prepared by registered patent or trademark agents, and many IP lawyers are registered agents too. The lawyer will tell you who works on your file.
Can I protect an idea?
An idea on its own usually cannot be registered. Inventions, brands, creative works and confidential information each have different kinds of protection, and the lawyer can explain which fit.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- No outcome can be guaranteed, including registration or allowance by an examiner
- Protection in Canada does not automatically protect you in other countries
- Filing and response deadlines must be met; give the lawyer every date you know of
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