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

Sep 272025
How to Do an IP Audit for Your Startup Free Checklist

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 AssetTypeOwnerRegistered?RiskAction Needed
LogoTrademarkStartupNoHighFile TM registration
Website ContentCopyrightFreelancerUnclearMediumGet assignment deed
App CodeTrade SecretDeveloperNot applicableHighSign IP agreement
Brand NameTrademarkStartupNoHighSearch & 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.

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