M&A activity reached historic levels in 2007, and while activity is expected to dip in 2009, M&A will continue as companies are expected to continue to make acquisitions at fi re-sale prices in an attempt to fi ll sluggish pipelines. All of this means that intellectual property due diligence — the process of investigating and confirming the status of IP assets — is becoming increasingly important. The panel discusses why intellectual property due diligence (IPDD) is important and how to do cost effective diligence in the global life science context.

• Learn to prioritize assets, decide which sources to use, perform basic IPDD, and determine when deep review is needed
• Prepare an IP portfolio in advance for a smooth, hassle-free exit v. using IP issues to negotiate a lower price
• Become sensitized to differing IP rules and cultural norms in different jurisdictions