Intellectual property and liquidation

What happens to intellectual property during liquidation?

When a company enters liquidation it’s sometimes assumed that its intellectual property loses value and cannot be used by the office-holder. In reality, however, intellectual property rights can hold significant value even in these circumstances.

Trademarks, patents, designs, copyright, databases, and domain names, shouldn’t be overlooked in liquidation and can considerably boost creditor returns. Rights to proprietary software or critical business processes are two other IP areas that might be valued and sold.

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What happens in liquidation?

Liquidation means a company’s assets are sold, and the funds distributed to creditors. It’s the office-holder’s role to identify all business’ assets and have them professionally valued before sale.

Identifying tangible assets is a relatively straightforward process, but when it comes to intangible assets such as goodwill and intellectual property, it’s a little more complex. The rights to intellectual property not only need to be identified, but also protected from loss of value, and this often requires assistance from external professionals.

So what types of intellectual property assets are commonly realised in liquidation?

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Patents

Patents can last up to 20 years, and may be in the application stage (patent pending) or have already been granted. In general a granted patent holds more value if there’s a significant period still to run, but there’s also the issue of annual patent renewal fees that may be due. A company may hold more than one patent, so it’s important to identify the nature, current status, and potential value of each.

Copyright

Copyright protection is provided when original works are created, such as new software or website content, literary works, photographs, or illustrations, but there’s no formal register that makes ownership unquestionable as is the case with trademarks and patents. If copyright ownership can be formally attributed to the business entering liquidation, however, it can hold significant monetary value.

Trademarks

Trademarks may be registered or unregistered by the company, but typically, registered trademarks hold more value. This value can be undermined if the business’ brand or reputation is tarnished by the insolvency, so the liquidator may decide to sell the trademark quickly to avoid a loss of value in the event of a lengthy liquidation process.

Designs

Design rights can be registered or unregistered, and again, the value of this type of intellectual property is affected by registration. A registered design right offers the company total protection and control over the design, whereas an unregistered design right only prevents other parties from copying it.

Website and domain name

A company’s website is typically a brand showcase, and along with the domain name can provide significant value in liquidation. Domain registration and ownership by the company of this important digital asset is a key concern in liquidation, as another business could purchase the domain if registration expires.

Trade secrets

Trade secrets are important intellectual property assets, the value of which arises from the unique knowledge held by a company in such areas as databases, technical drawings and designs, and source code. The confidential nature of trade secrets needs to be preserved during liquidation, and this is typically achieved through the use of strict Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).

If you would like more information on intellectual property and liquidation, our partner-led team at Real Business Rescue can help. We’re part of Begbies Traynor, the UK’s largest professional services consultancy, and will arrange a free same-day consultation to quickly establish your needs. Please contact one of the team – we work from an extensive network of offices around the country so you’re never far away from professional assistance.