Cambridge-based businesses can now access an initial half-day legal review and high-level report at no cost through a new Business Legal Audit launched by Culbert Ellis.
Legal arrangements put in place during the early stages of a business do not always keep pace with its commercial development. A company may have introduced new products, appointed consultants, secured investment, entered different markets or changed the way decisions are made, while continuing to rely on documents and arrangements created several years earlier.
The Culbert Ellis Business Legal Audit gives businesses an opportunity to review those foundations before gaps begin to affect growth, investment readiness or day-to-day operations.
The audit is particularly relevant to founder-led, technology and growth companies, where intellectual property may be created by a combination of founders, employees, consultants and commercial partners. Without clear agreements, uncertainty can arise over who owns software, designs, databases, content, processes or confidential know-how.
The review considers the intellectual property already held by the business, how it was created and whether ownership has been properly documented. It also looks ahead to the products, technologies, brands and services that the company intends to develop, and whether its existing arrangements will secure ownership of the resulting rights.
Jamie Short, Senior Associate at Culbert Ellis, said: “Growing businesses are often aware that certain documents or arrangements may need attention, but it can be difficult to know where to begin or which issues should take priority. The audit provides a structured opportunity to review the position, identify any vulnerabilities and consider sensible next steps in the context of the company’s plans.”
The audit extends beyond intellectual property. It includes a high-level review of shareholder agreements and articles of association, with consideration given to decision-making, control, funding, exits, deadlock and changes in ownership.
Employment and consultancy arrangements are also considered, particularly provisions dealing with confidentiality, restrictive covenants and ownership of work created for the business.
Customer and supplier contracts can present a different set of risks, especially where standard terms have been borrowed from another source, repeatedly amended or left unchanged as the company’s commercial position has developed. The audit reviews key provisions dealing with liability, payment, termination and the broader allocation of risk. Relevant regulatory considerations, including data protection and privacy compliance, may also be identified.
Where an existing concern could develop into a dispute, the Culbert Ellis team will assess the position at a high level and discuss the practical options available. The emphasis throughout is on helping the business understand which aspects of its legal position are already working well, where further attention may be needed and which issues are most relevant to its next phase of development.
The audit can be conducted remotely or, subject to location, at the business’s premises. Culbert Ellis offers an initial half-day of consultancy and high-level reporting at no cost and with no obligation to proceed with any follow-up work. Additional time for larger businesses would be discussed and agreed in advance.
The audit provides high-level suggestions rather than formal legal advice. Any legal work arising from the review would be undertaken through a separate engagement.
To discuss the Business Legal Audit, contact Jamie Short at jamie.short@culbertellis.com or on 07761 402491.
Accurate at the time of writing. This information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice.
