For many knowledge-intensive or technology-based start-up companies, the professional management of intellectual property (IP) is critically important. In fact, IP may be the main asset by which the value of a young company is determined and on which decisions to invest in the company are based – and so IP needs to be considered very early in the planning process. The Commercialising Intellectual Property series of ebooks provides a detailed grounding for innovators and researchers. The fifth ebook in the series, Due Diligence and Intellectual Property, looks at due diligence as a process that establishes the integrity, strength and value of IP. In particular, it looks at the key elements of due diligence, considering both the legal basis for IP and the level of IP protection.