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ARTICLE · 08 JULY 2025

IP Due Diligence: The Make-Or-Break Factor In Modern M&A

Caldwell Law
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As innovation cycles accelerate and technology convergence increases, intellectual property has become a powerful driver of major corporate acquisitions.

United StatesIntellectual Property
Keegan Caldwell
Keegan Caldwell
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As innovation cycles accelerate and technology convergence increases, intellectual property has become a powerful driver of major corporate acquisitions.

For example, when Johnson & Johnson acquired Shockwave Medical for $13.1 billion in 2024, the deal's success hinged on extensive intellectual property due diligence spanning a portfolio of significant patents. Chief among them: Shockwave Medical's innovative intravascular lithotripsy technology—a strategic fit, as J&J has been seeking to expand its cardiovascular portfolio into high-growth segments.

For companies engaging in mergers, acquisitions or strategic partnerships, understanding the intricacies of IP due diligence is essential for protecting value and avoiding costly oversights.

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