Our expertise

Becker & Associés analyzes patent potential and risks.

Within the context of investments, alliances or prospective studies, our firm conducts Industrial Property due diligence operations of French or foreign companies, as well as technologies, or products.

The scope of such due diligences may vary according to our clients, and may include, for instance:
• a review of the strength of all patents owned or controlled by the company and their correlation to the activities or programs within the company;
• verification of IP ownership;
• a review of any IP-related agreements;
• detection and analysis of potentially dominating patents;
• diagnosis of in-house procedures designed to protect the company’s IP.

We assess and appreciate the value and potential of a company or a technology, based on our IP due diligence that provides a global and strategic vision of the industrial property.

In particular, we assess the patent portfolios of start-ups, VSEs and SMEs, at the request of investors, funds and/or venture capital specialists.

We also support clients who wish to form partnerships or acquire the right to exploit a protected technology, through a licensing agreement or a merger or acquisition operation.

In a different capacity, we support our clients during IPO or takeover phases on the Euronext and NASDAQ markets, working with our local and foreign partners to carry out the necessary due diligence.

Our team has developed a particular expertise in conducting Opposition and Appeal procedures before the European Patent Office and the French INPI, including in cases that involve multiple opponents.

Becker & Associés provides support and advice in all patent litigation and disputes, in particular infringement actions, invalidity or ownership claims before the courts. We participate in patent disputes in France or abroad, conduct seizures.

We also assist our clients in defining licensing strategies and negotiation phases, as well as in preparing and drafting IP-related agreements (such as licenses, assignments and co-ownership, material transfer or confidentiality agreements). We also take care of registering agreements with the relevant patent offices.