Ilya Khodakov Runs a Workshop on IP Due Diligence in Technology Transactions at the AIJA Conference in Cairo

The International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA) conference «Cairo 2026 | Where Innovation Meets Tradition» took place in Cairo on 15–17 October. The conference brought together experts in M&A and IP. Its programme focused on transaction in the digital era and intellectual property in the media industry.

Ilya Khodakov, Senior Associate, ALRUD Advocate, PhD in Law, LL.M., moderated and spoke at an interactive workshop on IP Due Diligence for technology businesses and risk assessment in M&A transactions.

Ilya’s presentation covered:

• verification of ownership rights to software and key technologies;

• formalisation of relationships with developers and the restrictions relating to utilisation of third-party components and open-source software;

• de facto control over digital assets, including repositories and accounts, as well as the ability to use and integrate the acquired technologies after completion of the transaction.

Particular emphasis was placed on connecting legal findings with the commercial objectives of the asset acquisition: the results of IP Due Diligence should help decide on the transaction and identify specific measures to preserve the value of the acquired business and technologies.

Together with the speakers, workshop participants analysed the intellectual property, data protection and artificial intelligence risks identified in the course of IP Due Diligence. The discussion allowed participants to look at these issues from different perspectives and to consider the impact of these risks on transactions and the available purchaser protection mechanisms.