NYC Business Consultant Services

I. Internal Team Checklist

☐ Have we completed an internal IP audit (patents, trade secrets, processes)?

☐ Have we classified each asset by sensitivity and exposure risk?

☐ Have we determined which processes must stay in‑house?

☐ Has due diligence been completed (ownership, financial health, litigation history)?

☐ Has the supply chain been mapped, including subcontractors?

☐ Have site visits / virtual audits been performed?

☐ Is there a strong NDA in place before any disclosure?

☐ Does the manufacturing agreement cover confidentiality, restricted use, cybersecurity, and subcontractor controls?

☐ Are IP ownership, improvements, and tooling rights clearly defined?

☐ Are audit rights included (scheduled + surprise)?

☐ Have we compartmentalized production steps to limit exposure?

☐ Is sensitive know‑how delivered on a just‑in‑time basis?

☐ Are monitoring and data‑deletion protocols implemented?

☐ Are QC and change‑management procedures defined?

☐ Do we have KPI dashboards for compliance and performance?

☐ Are processes in place for retrieving tooling, software, and documentation upon termination?

☐ Have we identified geopolitical, regulatory, and supply-chain risks?

☐ Do we have alternative suppliers or backup plans?

☐ Have we assessed whether a JV or in‑house manufacturing is more appropriate?

1. What specific components, processes, or products are you considering outsourcing?

2. Have you identified which parts of your manufacturing process involve core trade secrets?

3. Do you currently maintain an accurate inventory of all IP assets tied to manufacturing?

4. How sensitive are the manufacturing steps you plan to transfer (e.g., algorithms, formulations, tolerances)?

5. Have you previously worked with an outsourced manufacturer? If yes, what challenges arose?

6. Are there geographic or regulatory constraints influencing where manufacturing can occur?

7. What criteria are most important for selecting a manufacturer (cost, quality, control, security)?

8. Does your organization have staff and tools to monitor manufacturing partners?

9. Do you have internal processes for restricting and tracking IP disclosure?

10. Do you have the ability to shift production between manufacturers if needed?

11. What is your risk tolerance for IP leakage, regulatory disputes, or supply-chain disruption?

12. Are you prepared to engage in multi‑jurisdiction enforcement if IP breaches occur?

13. Do you anticipate providing any proprietary software, firmware, or tooling to the manufacturer?

14. Are you open to setting up a joint venture or hybrid arrangement if needed?

15. What is your anticipated timeline for outsourcing, and do you require rapid scaling?