Mergers and acquisitions
This is one of four articles which addresses the general patent issues arising for each of four key activities in which a company may be involved during its lifetime; here Mergers and acquisitions. More 
Joint ventures
This is one of four articles which addresses the general patent issues arising for each of four key activities in which a company may be involved during its lifetime; here joint ventures. More
Divestment
This is one of four articles which addresses the general patent issues arising for each of four key activities in which a company may be involved during its lifetime; here divestment.
Initial public offerings
This is one of four articles which addresses the general patent issues arising for each of four key activities in which a company may be involved during its lifetime; here initial public offerings. More
Can you bank on your IP?
Our team reports on the findings of the UK Intellectual Property Office's "Banking on IP" report.
Using IP to raise debt finance
We discuss how IP rights can be used as a secure source of finance for businesses and highlights specific risks to be aware of in case of default on the loan. More
Explaining investment terms: board of directors / board observer
Our team provides insight into the respective committees and additional personnel required by venture capital investors. More
Explaining investment terms: confidentiality, IP assignment and management non-compete agreements
Our team highlights the importance for companies to have agreements in place. More
Asset-Centric special purpose vehicles (SPVs)
We examine the benefits and disadvantages in using Asset-Centric SPVs and the procedural steps behind setting one up. More
Valuation and milestones
Howard Palmer and Angus Miln explain how investment in a company can be linked to a valuation and milestones.
Pre-emption rights on new share issues
Using pre-emption rights to maintain a percentage stake in the company.
Right of first refusal, co-sale and tag along rights
Our team explains why these contractual terms are usually included in the Articles of association.
Drag along or bring along
What is meant by "drag along" and "bring along" rights? Simon Walker explains these terms.
Protective provisions and consent rights (class rights)
Certain actions cannot be taken by the company without the consent of the holders of a majority of their class or series of shares. More
Taking security over patents
This article examines some of the issues that should be considered by patent owners before placing a charge over a patent and the associated formalities.
Employee share option plan
Our team provides an overview of how companies can use share option plans to incentivise their employees.
Dividend rights
This article examines the different dividend rights available to shareholders and what impact such rights can have on a company.
Liquidation preference and deemed liquidation
We explore how investors use liquidation preference rights to to protect their investments against the liquidation or merger of a company. More
Conversion rights
Our team provides insight on the conversion rights available for certain shares and when they may be used.
Anti-dilution (or price protection)
Investors want to protect the value of their shares from dilution if the company issues new shares. This article examines the formulas investors use. More
Redemption
Our team explains the right of redemption in relation to shares and its limitations across jurisdictions.
Types of share
Company shares can come in a variety of forms with different rights attached to them. This article explores a range of different shares and gives a snapshot of what you need to know.
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Key documentation for funding life sciences companies
An overview of the documentation needed to facilitate a venture capital investment. More
Venture capital heads of terms (term sheets)
Our team presents a summary of the key components of the Term Sheet upon which the Investment Documents will eventually be based. More
Key terms of the Investment Agreement
We take a detailed look at the key considerations when drafting and entering into an Investment Agreement.
Key terms of the Articles of Association
Our team provides an overview of the most important provisions to be included in a company's Articles of Association.
What types of funding are typically available for an early stage life sciences company?
Our team outlines the legal and regulatory requirements.
Funding life sciences companies
The funding life sciences companies toolkit provides an overview of the types and sources of funding typically available for early stage enterprises in this sector. It also includes explanations of the documentation, structures and terminology that need to be understood when involved in a venture capital investment round.