Corporate Risk Management Series: Managing IP Risk Through the Employment Lifecycle

Intellectual property is often a company’s most valuable asset – and one of its most vulnerable. From onboarding to termination, employees play a critical role in either safeguarding or unintentionally compromising IP rights. Without the right agreements, policies, and processes in place, businesses can face significant legal and competitive risk.

In this Risk Management Series session, partners, Michael Bendel and Craig Kubiak will examine how employment practices intersect with intellectual property protection. The discussion will focus on common risk points tied to employee conduct, ownership misunderstandings, and process gaps, as well as practical strategies companies can implement to reduce exposure and protect key intangible assets.

Topics will include:

• IP ownership basics and where businesses often get it wrong;
• Common employee-driven IP risks (intentional and unintentional);
• Structuring agreements and policies to reduce IP exposure; and
• Best practices for IP protection during onboarding, employment, and exit