Client Testimonials
"Protecting my name and image is key. Back in 2005 I was looking for a firm that knew their stuff, didn't cost the earth and would not only get things done but also achieve results. Since then, the Waterfront has consistently achieved all of these objectives and are also a real pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend them to anyone needing to take swift action to protect a brand."
Sarah Beeny, TV Broadcaster and Property Developer
Corporate Transactions
Intellectual property rights must be considered in the following circumstances:
- The sale and purchase of any company (asset sale)
- Your company needs to know what intellectual property rights you are selling/buying and any problems (material or not) associated with them. Specific intellectual property warranties and indemnities will need to be negotiated for insertion into the sale and purchase agreement. Further, because the assets are being sold on an item by item basis, the seller will need to assign all intellectual property rights to the purchaser and ensure, where necessary, that third parties consent to and are prepared to do business with the purchaser. Likewise the purchaser will need to properly identify what is being bought and ensure that the seller actually owns the intellectual property being sold.
- The sale and purchase of any company (share sale)
- The acquisition of shares means the acquisition from the shareholders of the company itself including all intellectual property rights owned by the company. Therefore, it is important to ensure that ongoing third party contracts or licences do not preclude a change of control; and if they do, overcome such obstacles, for example by novating certain contracts.
- A listing on the London Stock Exchange
- To decide whether your company is a good investment, potential investors need to know the key intellectual property assets owned by or licensed to you, and any material problems associated with them.
Whether you are the seller or purchaser of a company, or are preparing to float, we can assist you to identify what intellectual property rights exist and which rights are key to your business and how to overcome any problems arising from the due diligence process.
By using appropriately crafted contracts, including intellectual property warranties and indemnities tailored to your specific circumstances, we will ensure that you sell or purchase your business for the right price and can be certain that you are either disposing of or acquiring all relevant intellectual property.