IP recordals

When a company changes its name, moves its headquarters or acquires another business, the IP rights associated with that company do not automatically update. Instead, the new owner or entity must proactively "record" these changes with every relevant patent and trademark office worldwide. This process is known as an IP recordal.

The scope of IP recordals is broad. It covers simple updates, such as a change of address or a change of name, as well as complex transactions involving the transfer of ownership (assignment) during mergers, acquisitions or divestitures. It also includes the recording of licenses, security interests and liens against IP assets. While the concept is straightforward, the execution is notoriously complex. Because IP rights are territorial, a global portfolio update might require filings in dozens or even hundreds of countries. The consequences of neglecting recordals can be severe. If the official register does not reflect the true owner, the rights holder may be unable to enforce the patent or trademark against infringers.

At RWS, we view IP recordals as a critical maintenance function that demands both legal precision and logistical scale. We help organizations navigate the bureaucratic complexity of updating global registers by acting as a single, centralized partner.

Our approach combines the expertise of specialist paralegals with a trusted global network of foreign agents. Instead of managing hundreds of individual correspondences with local attorneys, our clients provide one set of instructions and RWS coordinates the entire process. We leverage intelligent technology to streamline bulk recordals, analyzing portfolio data against official registry requirements to identify the most efficient filing strategies. This Human + Technology model ensures that even the largest M&A projects are executed accurately, efficiently and with full transparency.