“A lot of businesses in Australia don’t realise the importance of IP, particularly smaller players who discover, to their horror, that they haven’t secured IP when they’re buying or selling a business,” he said.

“We’re encouraging people to do a mini due diligence on themselves, not only to manage risk and protect assets but also to ensure their house is in order before they look at exiting or investing in a business.”

The app aims to prevent common IP-related mistakes, such as trademark and patent infringements or failing to secure IP from independent contractors, said Downie. It will also benefit McCullough Robertson by lifting its profile among IT-savvy clients.

“Our clients, many from the telecommunications and IT sectors, are sophisticated at using technology like smartphones and tablets, so it must be reassuring for them to see we’re getting involved in this space.”

The McCullough Robertson IP Health Check app quizzes users on their IP and technology procurement and then generates a report of recommendations based on the responses.

The Brisbane-based law firm, with offices in Sydney and Newcastle, worked with one of its clients in the IT sector, Mammoth Media, to develop the app.

The app can be downloaded for free from the Apple iTunes store here http://itunes.apple.com/app/mccullough-robertson-ip-health/id507029346?mt=8