Back from Summer? Time for an IP and Legal Check-In

Summer has gone, summer vacations have wound down.  Now businesses are getting back into their regular rhythm, and the final stretch of 2026 is already in sight. September is a natural time to reset, revisit plans that were put on hold and prepare for the months ahead. As new projects move forward, marketing picks up and growth opportunities take shape, it is worth asking whether your business, legal and IP strategy are keeping pace. From your corporate structure and commercial agreements to contracts, trademarks and other IP assets, now is a good time to take stock, address any gaps and make sure your business is legally and strategically ready for what comes next.

Your September IP Check-In

1. Has your brand changed?

Have you launched a new product, introduced a new service, refreshed your branding or started using a new business name?

If so, ask: Have you searched, protected, and consistently used your key brands and has your IP protection kept pace with your business?

Remember: a domain name or social media handle being available does not mean the name is available as a trademark.

2. What new IP have you created?

Businesses create intellectual property every day often without realizing it.

Think about everything created since the beginning of the year: Software • designs • photographs • marketing materials • written content • inventions • packaging • processes • creative assets

Then ask the most important question: Who owns it? If employees, contractors, consultants, agencies or other third parties have contributed to your IP, make sure ownership is clearly addressed in your agreements.

Clear ownership today can prevent costly disputes tomorrow. 

3. Does your IP portfolio still match your business?

Your business is evolving. Your IP strategy should evolve with it. Review your existing trademarks, patents, industrial designs and other IP assets and ask: Does your IP portfolio still reflect your current products, services, markets and future growth, or are there gaps in protection?

Your IP portfolio should support where your business is going and not simply reflect where it has been.

4. Are you planning a bigger marketing push?

Fall campaigns, holiday promotions and year-end initiatives can bring increased visibility and increased IP and legal exposure.

Before launching a major campaign, consider: Trademarks • copyright • influencer agreements • sponsorships • licensing • advertising claims • third-party content

The more visible your brand becomes, the more important it is to ensure that you are not inadvertently infringing someone else’s rights and that your own IP is protected.

Think Beyond the Next Campaign. 

5. Are you expanding into new markets?

If international expansion is on your agenda for the remainder of 2026 or into 2027, think about IP before entering the market not after. IP rights are generally territorial. A brand that is available and protected in Canada may not be available or protected elsewhere.

Before expanding, consider: Are your IP rights, filings, agreements and licensing arrangements ready for the markets you’re entering?

Good IP planning can make market expansion smoother and help avoid expensive surprises.

6. Have your business relationships changed?

New contractors, consultants, distributors, manufacturers, licensing partners and strategic partners can all create IP considerations.

Make sure your agreements clearly address: Confidentiality • IP ownership • licensing • permitted use • restrictions • termination.

It is much easier to establish expectations at the beginning of a relationship than to determine ownership after a dispute arises. 

7. Is growth on the horizon?

If financing, investment, acquisition or significant growth is part of your plans, now is the time to get your legal and IP house in order.

Investors and potential business partners may examine your: Are your corporate structure, contracts, IP ownership, portfolio, licensing and key-market protections in order? 

A properly owned, protected and documented IP portfolio is not just legal housekeeping, it is a 

The Takeaway

The return from summer is more than a return to the usual routine. It is an opportunity to take stock; reset priorities and make sure your IP strategy is aligned with where your business is going. Before the rush toward year-end begins, ask yourself:

If you haven't checked your IP recently and If you haven’t audited your corporate agreement now is a good time to do it. What have we created, what has changed, and where are we going next?

At Froese Law, we help businesses assess, manage and protect their intellectual property as they evolve, from trademark strategy, clearance and filings to portfolio management, ownership and enforcement. We also help ensure your business structure and agreements are properly set up to support your growth and protect your interests. 

Let’s make sure you are ready for the rest of 2026 and positioned for what comes next.