Client Document PackIntellectual PropertyMedium

Intellectual Property Lawyer Document Checklist

Prepare for an intellectual-property consultation by organising ownership records, registration details, creative files, brand use evidence, contracts, infringement proof, and deadline risks.

Time to prepare2-5 hours

Before you start

0/2 completed

Classify the IP issueWrite whether the matter concerns a trade mark, copyright work, patent, design, domain name, confidential information, licence, assignment, or infringement.Not startedIdentify the owner and usersRecord creator, applicant, company, employee, contractor, agency, licensee, platform, customer, competitor, and current user details.Not started

Need help with this checklist?

Get support from a lawyer who works with intellectual property matters.

Book a Consultation

Before advice or filing

0/2 completed

Collect ownership recordsPrepare creation files, dated drafts, employment or contractor agreements, assignments, invoices, purchase orders, and board or client approvals.Not startedCollect registration and use recordsPrepare CIPC or foreign filings, certificates, search results, brand use examples, screenshots, product labels, websites, sales records, and marketing materials.Not started

During the consultation

0/2 completed

Ask about route and deadlineConfirm filing, search, opposition, renewal, takedown, demand, negotiation, licence, assignment, or court options.Not startedAsk about evidence gapsList missing creator proof, chain-of-title records, marketplace evidence, sales proof, technical records, and dated screenshots.Not started

Afterwards

0/2 completed

Preserve evidenceSave dated screenshots, source files, correspondence, takedown notices, and copies of disputed material without editing originals.Not startedTrack IP datesCalendar filing, opposition, renewal, response, takedown, licence, and settlement dates.Not started

When It Applies

You need to speak to an IP lawyer about trade marks, copyright, patents, designs, licensing, ownership, infringement, or brand protection.

You need a document pack before filing, responding, negotiating, or enforcing IP rights.

Not For

Final registrability, infringement, validity, valuation, or litigation advice without specialist review.

Documents

Creation files
Dated drafts
Employment or contractor agreements
Assignments
Invoices
CIPC filings
Certificates
Search results
Brand-use screenshots
Product labels
Marketing material
Infringement evidence
Licence agreements

Timeline

Before advice: classify the IP right and owner.
Before filing or response: collect ownership and use records.
After advice: preserve dated evidence.
Ongoing: track filing, renewal, opposition, and response dates.

Tips

Separate ownership proof from infringement proof.
Keep source files and dated versions.
Capture screenshots with dates and URLs visible.
Ask about trade mark, copyright, patent, and design routes separately.

Warning Signs

A deadline for filing, renewal, opposition, or response is close.
Ownership depends on employee, contractor, agency, or founder agreements.
A platform takedown or competitor demand has arrived.
The same brand or work is used in multiple countries.

Official sources

Companies and Intellectual Property CommissionSouth African IP registration and CIPC context.
Copyright Act 98 of 1978Copyright legal context.
Trade Marks Act 194 of 1993Trade mark legal context.

This checklist is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Speak to a Lawyer

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Client Document PackIntellectual PropertyMedium

Intellectual Property Lawyer Document Checklist

Prepare for an intellectual-property consultation by organising ownership records, registration details, creative files, brand use evidence, contracts, infringement proof, and deadline risks.

Time to prepare2-5 hours

Before you start

0/2 completed

Need help with this checklist?

Get support from a lawyer who works with intellectual property matters.

Book a Consultation

Before advice or filing

0/2 completed

During the consultation

0/2 completed

Afterwards

0/2 completed

When It Applies

You need to speak to an IP lawyer about trade marks, copyright, patents, designs, licensing, ownership, infringement, or brand protection.

You need a document pack before filing, responding, negotiating, or enforcing IP rights.

Not For

Final registrability, infringement, validity, valuation, or litigation advice without specialist review.

Documents

Creation files
Dated drafts
Employment or contractor agreements
Assignments
Invoices
CIPC filings
Certificates
Search results
Brand-use screenshots
Product labels
Marketing material
Infringement evidence
Licence agreements

Timeline

Before advice: classify the IP right and owner.
Before filing or response: collect ownership and use records.
After advice: preserve dated evidence.
Ongoing: track filing, renewal, opposition, and response dates.

Tips

Separate ownership proof from infringement proof.
Keep source files and dated versions.
Capture screenshots with dates and URLs visible.
Ask about trade mark, copyright, patent, and design routes separately.

Warning Signs

A deadline for filing, renewal, opposition, or response is close.
Ownership depends on employee, contractor, agency, or founder agreements.
A platform takedown or competitor demand has arrived.
The same brand or work is used in multiple countries.

Official sources

Companies and Intellectual Property CommissionSouth African IP registration and CIPC context.
Copyright Act 98 of 1978Copyright legal context.
Trade Marks Act 194 of 1993Trade mark legal context.

This checklist is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Speak to a Lawyer