Buy/Sell Transactions
Legal Strategy That Protects the Deal—and Your Future
Buying or selling a business, catalog, or intellectual property asset is never just about signing documents. These transactions require clarity, foresight, and a legal strategy that understands the true value behind what is being transferred—especially when that value is tied to trademarks, copyrights, or licensing rights.
I work with clients through every stage of the deal, from initial planning and risk assessment to closing and post-transaction follow-through. My role is to help you walk away with what you intended—clean rights, enforceable terms, and a structure that supports long-term value.
Intellectual Property Drives Business Value
In today’s marketplace, intellectual property often is the business. Whether you are selling a publishing catalog, acquiring a trademark portfolio, or transferring ownership of an IP-based company, the strength of your position depends on how well those rights are documented and protected.
I advise on transactions involving:
- Brand assets and trademark portfolios
- Copyrighted content, including music, software, books, and visual works
- Publishing and licensing rights
- IP-driven businesses and online platforms
The goal is to ensure that what is being sold can truly be owned—and what is being bought is properly valued.
Diligence That Goes Beyond the Basics
Not all IP is created—or documented—equally. I look deeper to uncover hidden risks: licensing agreements that limit transferability, gaps in copyright registration, unresolved disputes, or chains of title that are unclear or incomplete.
In one case, a buyer avoided future litigation after I discovered that key licensing rights in a content library were improperly documented. We restructured the deal before closing, saving time, cost, and credibility.
My due diligence process often reveals:
- Incomplete or conflicting ownership records
- Restrictions buried in license agreements
- Unregistered rights or missing international filings
- Prior infringement claims or unresolved disputes
This kind of insight gives clients leverage at the negotiation table—and peace of mind after the deal closes.
Structuring the Deal to Support Your Goals
Every transaction is different. Whether it is an asset sale, stock purchase, or partner buyout, I tailor the structure and documentation to support your objectives and reduce future risk. That means addressing royalty terms, brand usage, content licensing, and post-closing obligations clearly and up front.
In a recent sale of a digital media business, I helped the client retain future royalties on intellectual property they had created—preserving long-term revenue while still transferring the core operations to the buyer.
Support After the Signature
The real-world impact of a transaction often unfolds months after closing. I stay involved to help resolve issues related to brand use, royalty payments, transition agreements, and third-party relationships. That ongoing guidance protects your investment and reduces the chance of costly disputes.
Who I Help
I work with business owners, creators, entrepreneurs, and investors—as well as attorneys who need support for the intellectual property portion of a transaction. Whether you are preparing to sell, planning an acquisition, or guiding a client through either, I bring legal clarity and business practicality to every step.
Let us talk about your next transaction—and how to make sure it is structured for long-term success.
RemarkableTM Legal/Cheryl Hodgson
