An up-to-date and in-depth examination of intellectual property issues in mergers and acquisitions In mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property assets can be especially difficult to accurately value, most notably in rapidly evolving high-tech industries. Understanding the factors that create value in intellectual property assets, and the part such assets play in both domestic and international mergers, is vitally important to anyone involved in the merger and acquisition process. This book provides an overview of the intellectual property landscape in mergers and acquisitions and thoroughly covers important topics from financial and accounting concerns to due diligence and transfer issues. Bringing together some of the leading economists, valuation experts, lawyers, and accountants in the area of intellectual property, this helpful guide acts as an advisor to business professionals and their counsel who need answers for intellectual property questions. The valuation methods presented here are simple and don't require a background in finance. Whether you're a manager or executive, an accountant or an appraiser, Intellectual Property Assets in Mergers and Acquisitions offers all the expert help you need to better understand the issues and the risks in intellectual property assets in mergers and acquisitions.

This report is intended to draw attention to some of the intellectual property risks and opportunities that may arise before, during and after a merger and acquisition (M&A) transaction. The articles contained here reflect the scope of the topic, from regional and/or jurisdictional difference to the various drivers of a business, such as tax and information technology matters. By its character, intellectual property transcends borders and jurisdictional boundaries, and accordingly this report includes areticles covering M&A IP matters in Australia, Europe, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and United States.

This paper addresses both theoretical and practical considerations impacting the conduct of intellectual property (IP) and information technology (IT) due diligence in the context of merger/acquisition transactions. Both the author's own experiences in practice, and major authorities are used to develop not only quot;nuts and boltsquot; guidance to practitioners and executives dealing with pending or proposed matters, but also a normative analysis intended to assist judges and commentators with the shaping of standards used in adjudication and possibly, legislation. The discussion of authorities emphasizes recent developments such as the U.S. Supreme Court's decisions in Grokster and KSR and the pending Viacom v. YouTube suit under the DMCA, and touches upon the Bilski case which was decided by the U.S. Federal Circuit as the paper went to press. The discussion also focuses upon evaluation of recently-introduced business practices such as interactive websites inviting public comments, business method patents and commercial use of digital entertainment technology.