About this Event
Most early-stage businesses believe their intellectual property is investment ready. The reality is that many only discover gaps when investors, acquirers, or due diligence teams start asking questions.
📅 Date: 10th November
🕰️ Time: 10am
📍 Location: Natwest Accelerator, 3rd Floor, 2 Whitehall Quay, Leeds, LS1 4HR
📝 Event Description:
Most early-stage businesses believe their intellectual property is investment ready. The reality is that many only discover gaps when investors, acquirers, or due diligence teams start asking questions.
This practical and interactive workshop explores the key areas that are commonly examined when intellectual property is assessed in a fundraising, investment, licensing, or acquisition context. Drawing on real-world examples, attendees will explore the questions that commonly arise when intellectual property comes under investment and due diligence scrutiny, and how to prepare for them.
Topics will include IP ownership, understanding what IP assets exist, linking IP to commercial strategy, freedom to operate, patent strength, supporting evidence, and ongoing IP management. The session will highlight common issues that can undermine an otherwise strong IP position and provide a practical framework for identifying and addressing potential gaps.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how intellectual property supports business growth, a simple framework for assessing their own IP investment readiness, and practical actions that can be taken immediately to strengthen their position before external scrutiny.
Key takeaway: IP investment readiness is about understanding what IP you have, knowing why it matters, and being able to demonstrate how it supports your products/services, business strategy, and future growth with clarity and confidence.
Speaker bio
Melvyn Ansell is a UK and European Patent Attorney at Secerna LLP, advising startups, scale-ups, university spinouts, and established technology businesses on intellectual property protection, strategy and commercialisation. He works closely with innovative organisations to build and manage IP portfolios that support growth, investment, and competitive advantage. Drawing on experience across a range of technology sectors, Melvyn helps businesses align their intellectual property with wider commercial objectives, identify opportunities and risks, and maximise the value of their innovation.
📚 What to expect:
- Practical learning you can apply immediately.
- Expert guidance delivered in a clear, friendly way.
- Opportunities to meet ambitious entrepreneurs.
- Clear signposting to next steps on your Sales growth journey.
👥 Why attend:
- Gain practical tools that support immediate action.
- Learn from experts and founders with real‑world experience.
- Build meaningful connections across the entrepreneurial community.
- Explore if the Accelerator is right for your business.
- Leave feeling inspired, confident, and ready to move forward.
🗣️ Our guest speaker:
Melvyn Ansell - Secerna LLP
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Event venue & nearby stays
2 Whitehall Quay, 2 Whitehall Quay, Leeds, United Kingdom
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