We’re Buying What?: Peaks, Perks & Pitfalls of Acquisition Due Diligence

Insights: Events We’re Buying What?: Peaks, Perks & Pitfalls of Acquisition Due Diligence

2019 Advanced Trademark Law Seminar

Acquisitions, mergers, carve-outs: They are alive and well. Countless companies throw their hats into the M&A arena each year, and each potential deal requires some legal blood, sweat, and tears. It’s that fast-paced, think-on-your-feet whirlwind we call acquisition due diligence. Understanding the business proposition and marrying the right due diligence strategy are key. When done well, due diligence can both uncover key issues that impact the value of the deal and help pave a going-forward path to be implemented after the deal dust settles. When done poorly, it can leave critical stones unturned with nasty little beasts hiding under them that can undermine even the most carefully laid post-deal plans. This session will focus on the nuts and bolts of intellectual property due diligence, points to consider, and pitfalls to avoid. Our panelists will discuss how they approach and assess the issues that actually matter to their business teams — those “what can we do with the stuff we’re buying?” questions. The business team has a reason for entering into an acquisition. There is a plan, and maintaining the status quo likely isn’t it. The objective could be to expand the target’s product line, broaden the target’s geographic footprint, merge the target’s and the buyer’s businesses to spin off new market opportunities, or eliminate some of the target’s products altogether.