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Think Beyond Profits: Monetizing Hidden IP Value
When businesses consider their most valuable assets, they often think of tangible resources and revenue streams. But what’s often overlooked is the untapped value hidden in intangible assets, particularly intellectual property (IP). Trade secrets, underleveraged trademarks, and even improperly managed patents can dramatically influence a company’s long-term value and attractiveness to buyers or…

Navigating the Human Side of Family Business Succession
When succession involves family, emotions can make or break the outcome. Here’s how to move forward with clarity, trust, and confidence.
Family business transitions are never just business. They’re personal, emotional, and if not handled carefully can lead to conflict, fractured relationships, and lost value. While most succession planning focuses on tax…

The Importance of Succession Planning in Family Businesses
For many family business owners, the thought of stepping away from the company they built is daunting. Yet, failing to plan for leadership transitions can leave businesses vulnerable to disputes, declining value, and operational chaos. A well-executed succession plan ensures the company’s continued success, preserves wealth, and strengthens family relationships.
A strong…

Patent Litigation: High-Stakes Cases and What Businesses Need to Know
Patent litigation can be one of the most stressful, expensive, and uncertain processes a small business or family enterprise might face. After investing years in developing and securing a patent, the idea of having it infringed feels like a personal affront. It’s not just a legal issue—it’s an emotional one.…

Maximizing IP Value & IP Monetization in Your Business Sale
Hidden Value in Your Intellectual Property
When preparing for a business sale, most owners focus solely on financials, operations, and customer contracts. However, intellectual property (IP) is often an untapped asset that can significantly increase valuation and provide strategic leverage in negotiations. By identifying, protecting, and leveraging IP, business owners…

Business Sale Preparation: How to Prepare Your Family Business for a Successful Sale
Introduction
Selling a business is a milestone that requires more than just finding a buyer. The difference between a top-dollar offer and a disappointing sale price often comes down to early preparation. Just as you would clean-up a home before selling to increase its market appeal, your…

Why Forensic Accountants Undervalue IP and How It Impacts Businesses

Introduction
When Bed Bath & Beyond filed for bankruptcy, its intellectual property assets were sold for just $21.5 million. Shortly after the purchase, Overstock.com’s market cap skyrocketed by $600 million—all because Bed Bath & Beyond’s IP was grossly undervalued and sold far below its potential. Overstock acquired a customer list…

Who Owns Intellectual Property in a Divorce? Key Considerations for Business Owners
Introduction
Intellectual property (IP) ownership is one of the most unique and complex issues to address during a divorce when there is a business involved. IP ownership in divorce is often overlooked, yet it can significantly impact business value. Unlike tangible assets, IP—such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and…

Family Business Divorce: Mediating Conflicts and Preserving Value
Introduction
A divorce with a family business is one of the most challenging situations a business owner can face. Not only are personal relationships at stake, but the professional partnership that sustains the family’s income and legacy is also at risk. Divorce forces couples to navigate complex financial, operational, and emotional issues, often…

Family Business Succession: Mistakes to Avoid for a Lasting Legacy
Introduction
Family businesses and privately held companies face unique challenges when it comes to succession planning. Without a clear and detailed succession plan, the legacy of your family business is at risk, no matter how capable your successor may be.
The consequences of poor succession planning can be catastrophic: heirs…