Ottawa, ON and Hannover, Germany - March 2, 2009 - Protecode® Inc., today officially launched its Software IP Audit service, which provides expert analyses of software code for Intellectual Property (IP) due diligence.

A comprehensive audit is usually conducted during a specific event such as a M&A, equity investment, product introduction, demand for IP indemnity, and commercialization of research work.

Protecode Software IP Audit service identifies licensing and copyright attributes of open source and other third party content in the software assets of an enterprise, or detects similarities between two specific code portfolios. Protecode combines its software licensing expertise with its leading software IP analysis product, Enterprise IP Analyzer™, to provide an accurate and efficient service. Protecode's Enterprise IP Analyzer™ is a software solution that analyzes and identifies all code in any directory, producing customizable reports on the licensing and copyright obligations as well as other attributes of the binary or source code.

"We were looking to acquire a leading edge software company, but first needed a clear understanding of the Intellectual Property obligations of the software assets. Partnering with Protecode experts helped us plan the audit, establish IP policies, and interpret the final analysis reports," said Sri Kothuri, CEO of TechIT in Herndon, Va. "With Protecode's expertise and their automated software IP management tools, we obtained more accurate results in a matter of days rather than months compared to traditional technical due diligence processes, and at less than 25% of the cost."

Protecode's Software IP Audit service removes IP uncertainties, reduces risks, streamlines technology acquisitions or transfers, and lowers IP indemnity vulnerabilities. Protecode works with the internal counsels, leading IP law firms, investment banks, M&A specialists, and consulting firms to provide expert, efficient and cost-effective scanning and analysis of software code in enterprises.

"Testing for software IP cleanliness is equivalent to searching for the title of a property that is for sale. Nobody thinks twice about the need to ensure proper ownership. Recent court decisions have reinforced the heavy costs of not complying with licensing and copyright obligations," said Mahshad Koohgoli, CEO of Protecode. "Access to fast and effective software auditing services and automated software governance tools should be priority issues for software executives as they drive towards acquisitions, reduced business risks and less costly software development through outsourcing and use of Open Source software."
Protecode will showcase its products and services at CeBIT (Hall 6, Booth E30), March 3rd-8th in Hannover, Germany.