The complete due diligence checklist
Use this checklist to structure diligence on any company — an investment, acquisition, vendor or partner. Each section links to the OpenDD tool that runs those checks for free, so you can work straight down the list.
Run the checklist free →1. Corporate & ownership
- Confirm the registered legal entity and good standing
- Map ownership and control, officers and directors
- Identify subsidiaries and affiliates
- Review SEC filings (for public companies)
Run it: corporate due diligence.
2. Financial
- Review revenue, income, assets and cash position
- Check multi-year trends and any restatements
- Trace figures to the underlying filings
Guide: financial due diligence.
3. Intellectual property
- Inventory patents and trademarks held
- Verify chain of title from inventor to current owner
- Check encumbrances, liens and live disputes
- Confirm registrations are current, not lapsing
Run it: IP due diligence.
4. Litigation & regulatory
- Search federal court dockets for active and past cases
- Review regulatory enforcement history
- Assess the company's role (plaintiff vs defendant)
Guide: federal court records search.
5. Sanctions & adverse media
- Screen against OFAC and consolidated watchlists
- Confirm identity on any match
- Scan adverse media for fraud, misconduct and investigations
Run it: sanctions screening.
6. Security, privacy & AI
- Score security posture (SOC 2 / ISO 27001 signals)
- Assess privacy program against GDPR/CCPA
- Review data governance and AI safety disclosures
Run it: vendor & trust due diligence.
7. Package the findings
Export a source-linked Word or PDF report, or compile everything into a single dossier. Escalate high-stakes findings to counsel for an opinion. Back to the due diligence hub.
Related
Frequently asked questions
What should a due diligence checklist include?
At minimum: corporate and ownership, financials, intellectual property, litigation and regulatory history, sanctions and adverse media, and security/privacy posture — the six sections in this checklist.
Is there a free tool to run the checklist?
Yes — each section here links to an OpenDD module that runs those checks for free from public and primary sources.
Can I reuse this checklist?
Yes, copy it freely for your own diligence. It is informational, not legal advice — escalate material findings to qualified counsel.