What is a Royalty Audit?
A royalty audit verifies if a Licensee is complying with the license/contract, including payments, research milestones, advertising or any other clause that allows itself to be tested by an independent party
Provides quantified supported findings for negotiation and collection
Identifies areas of ambiguity for improved future license agreements
MAGNITUDE OF MISREPORTING
87% of Licensees Audited Underreported Royalties
AUDIT OUTCOMES
Recover cash due
Modify templates to clarify future agreements
Amend license language in light of audit findings
Educate internal staff about license language for future licenses
Better internal analysis of royalty reports
Expand upon and create a more robust compliance program
The audit process brings to light possible differences in interpretations and allows for prompt discussion and feedback on those issues
Audits are the perfect platform to rekindle communications between Licensor and Licensee while also highlighting and strengthening the mutual benefits of the business relationship