CohnReznick’s Latest Article: Intellectual property planning across the life sciences lifecycle

For life sciences companies, intellectual property can play a significant role in long-term value, growth, and strategic opportunities. As a company moves through different stages of its lifecycle, its approach to protecting, structuring, and managing IP should evolve alongside the business.

This article explores key considerations for life sciences organizations, including:

• Treat IP planning as a lifecycle exercise. Strategy should evolve as a life sciences company moves from startup through commercialization and maturity.
• Preserve flexibility early. Startups should establish clear IP ownership while avoiding structures that could unnecessarily restrict future options.
• Plan before IP appreciates significantly. Late startup and early growth can provide an important window for evaluating IP restructuring.
• Align IP with business substance. Ownership and economic rights should reflect the entities performing, controlling, or funding value-driving activities.
• Reassess mature structures. Established companies should evaluate whether legacy IP structures continue to support effective tax rate management, transfer pricing, transactions, and global operations.