How to Do an IP Audit for Your Startup: Free Checklist

Sep 272025

When was the last time you checked if your startup’s ideas, products, or branding are legally protected? If your answer is “never” or “I’m not sure”, then it’s time for an IP audit.

In India, startups are booming—over 1,12,000 startups were officially recognized by DPIIT as of 2024. But with all the focus on product building, marketing, and funding, many founders forget one major thing: protecting their intellectual property (IP). This is where an IP audit comes in.

What is an IP Audit?

An IP audit is simply a review or check-up of all the intellectual property assets your startup owns, uses, or might be infringing on. Think of it as a health check for your business’s creativity and innovation.

If you’ve created logos, apps, content, designs, or tech—chances are, you already own IP. But is it protected? Is it registered under your startup’s name? Have you done a trademark search? If not, you could be vulnerable to legal trouble or even lose your rights.

Why Every Startup in India Should Conduct an IP Audit

Startups in India today operate in a super competitive space. Whether you’re in fintech, edtech, healthtech, or even F&B—your brand name, designs, and tech are your business assets.

Here’s why an IP audit matters:

Avoid future legal disputes
Build investor confidence (investors love clean IP ownership)
Boost brand credibility
Create licensing and monetisation opportunities

Types of Intellectual Property Every Indian Startup Should Know

Let’s break down the different kinds of IP you might already have without knowing it:

Trademarks – Your logo, name, slogan. Think of Zomato’s brand identity.
Copyrights – Website content, app UI, videos, blogs, marketing content.
Patents – Innovative products or tech processes. This one is huge in SaaS and deep tech.
Trade Secrets – Business formulas, internal algorithms, customer lists.
Industrial Designs – Visual design of a product or packaging.

When Should You Do an IP Audit?

There’s no “perfect time”, but ideally:

Before launching a new product
Before approaching investors or VCs
Before signing contracts with co-founders or developers
During due diligence before acquisition or merger
If you’re going international or exporting

Step-by-Step Guide to Doing an IP Audit for Your Startup

Here’s how you can do a simple IP audit without hiring an expensive lawyer (though consulting an expert always helps).

Step 1: Identify all your IP

Make a list of everything that can be considered IP:

Logos, slogans, and product names
Your website design and content
Source code of your software
Social media creatives
Marketing videos or jingles

Step 2: Categorise your IP

Group them under trademarks, patents, copyrights, trade secrets, or designs.

Step 3: Check ownership

Who created the asset—was it a co-founder, an employee, or a freelancer? Make sure IP ownership is clearly assigned to the company.

Step 4: Search and register

Use online portals to search if your trademark or patent already exists. If it doesn’t, register it. This step is super important.

Step 5: Check for legal risks

Are you using stock images without license? Have you borrowed code from GitHub without checking the license? These things can cause future IP trouble.

Step 6: Organise documentation

Keep copies of:

NDAs and IP assignments
Trademark and copyright registration certificates
Code contribution agreements with developers

Free IP Audit Checklist (DIY Style)

Here’s a quick checklist to help you audit your startup’s IP like a pro:

IP Asset	Type	Owner	Registered?	Risk	Action Needed
Logo	Trademark	Startup	No	High	File TM registration
Website Content	Copyright	Freelancer	Unclear	Medium	Get assignment deed
App Code	Trade Secret	Developer	Not applicable	High	Sign IP agreement
Brand Name	Trademark	Startup	No	High	Search & Register

You can create this in Google Sheets and share it with your co-founders or legal advisor. You’ll be surprised how many things are unprotected.

Top IP Risks Faced by Indian Startups

Infringement: Accidentally using someone else’s brand or code
Unclear ownership: IP created by freelancers not properly assigned to the company
Copycats: Your logo or brand name gets copied by another business
No legal proof: You claim you created something but have no paperwork to show it

How an IP Audit Helps You Raise Funds

Investors don’t just look at your product—they look at your risk profile. If your IP isn’t protected or is stuck in a legal battle, that’s a red flag.

Having your IP sorted:

Shows you’re serious and professional
Improves startup valuation
Opens licensing or franchising opportunities

Conclusion: Let Babaria IP & Co. Help You Protect What You’ve Built

At Babaria IP & Co., IP firms in India, we understand the hustle, passion, and sleepless nights that go into building a startup. That’s why we go beyond legal paperwork—we become your IP partners from day one. Whether you’re a bootstrapped founder or a funded startup, our team helps you identify, register, and enforce your intellectual property rights across India and beyond.

We’ve worked with hundreds of Indian businesses to conduct IP audits, file trademarks, secure patents, and handle infringement cases with confidence. From DIY guidance to full-service IP protection—we’ve got your back.

📞 Talk to us today for a free initial consultation and let’s ensure your creativity stays legally yours.

Because your ideas deserve airtight protection.

Categories : Intellectual Property

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