From protection to valuation: Using IP to drive international growth

Through real-world examples, the session will demonstrate the financial consequences of getting IP wrong and the opportunities created when it is structured properly.

What you’ll learn

• Understand how intellectual property influences valuation, investment readiness, and international scalability.

• Identify key commercial risks associated with weak or unprotected IP in new markets.

• Learn how to align IP strategy with growth plans, including when and where to invest in protection.

Description

When expanding internationally, intellectual property is often viewed as a legal necessity, but in reality, it plays a critical role in commercial success, valuation, and investor confidence. Many businesses focus on whether they can protect their IP, rather than whether their position will stand up to scrutiny when entering new markets or seeking investment.

This session takes a more strategic view, exploring how IP can be used as a growth lever rather than just a safeguard. It will combine legal guidance with commercial insight, highlighting what investors look for, the risks that can delay or derail expansion, and how poor IP positioning can impact valuation, deal structure, and speed of growth.

Through real-world examples, the session will demonstrate the financial consequences of getting IP wrong and the opportunities created when it is structured properly. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to align IP protection with commercial strategy, enabling confident, scalable international growth.

Speakers

Matthew Cusack
Director, National Business Register Group Limited

Matthew Cusack is a Director at National Business Register Group Limited, where he leads on strategic growth and commercial development. A qualified accountant, Matthew brings extensive experience across multiple sectors, including technology, engineering, automotive, and professional services.

He has a strong track record in scaling businesses, having previously served as Finance Director of an IT company that he helped grow through a successful buy-and-build strategy, completing four acquisitions before its eventual sale to private equity. More recently, he has worked closely with SMEs and professional advisers on business investments, disposals, and growth planning.

Matthew is passionate about building strong, values-driven relationships and believes that long-term business success is rooted in trust, collaboration, and clear strategic direction. He works closely with growing businesses to help them make informed commercial decisions and position themselves for sustainable growth.