IP Valuation
Intangible assets or intellectual property (IP) are distinguished from
general intangibles, such as goodwill, which have no definable useful
life. The valuation of an IP is usually the most tenuous, complex, and
creative exercise of any valuation or appraisal. The Mentor Group has
unique expertise to place value on any IP.
Without some historical data on use of the IP to generate income/profits
or save costs, estimating IP valuation is much more subjective. The key
is to develop some reasonable data points about future expected cash flows.
These data points become the lynch pin around which a discounted cash
flow case can be constructed. Our senior professionals ensure that a reasonable,
well-documented, and credible analysis is delivered.
The intangible asset (IA) / IP value is inextricably linked to the remaining
useful life. The cash flow projection period is premised on the estimated
useful life. The value of an IA is the present value of the after-tax
income plus the present value of the tax benefits of amortization.
Marketing-Related
- Trademarks, trade names
- Service marks, collective marks, certification marks
- Trade dress (unique color, shape, or package design)
- Newspaper mastheads
- Internet domain names
- Non-compete agreements
Customer-Related
- Customer lists
- Order or production backlog
- Customer contracts and related customer relationships
- Non-contractual customer relationships
Artistic-Related
- Plays, operas, ballets
- Books, magazines, newspapers, other literary works
- Musical works such as compositions, song lyrics, advertising jingles
- Video and audiovisual material, including motion pictures, music videos,
television programs
- Publicity rights (persona)
Contract-Based
- Licensing, royalty, standstill agreements
- Advertising, construction, management, service or supply contracts
- Lease agreements
- Construction permits
- Franchise agreements
- Operating and broadcast rights
- Use rights such as drilling, water, air, mineral, timber cutting, and route
authorities
- Servicing contracts such as mortgage servicing
- Employment contracts
Technology-Based
- Patented technology
- Computer software and mask works
- Unpatented technology
- Databases
- Trade secrets, such as secret formulas, processes, recipes
Example of Client Result Achieved
Client: |
Technology holding company. |
Issues: |
Purchase price for concept of encryption security software. Inventor and
investor were initially far apart on value of Intangible Asset. |
Result: |
Significant collaboration with each party to analyze how concept would
be created as software and the various market applications. Engagement
resulted in agreement on price and extensive business plan to raise equity. |