ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 5.32 Checklist Guide •

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 5.32 Checklist Guide

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By Max Edwards | Updated 15 August 2024

Using a checklist for A.5.32 Intellectual Property Rights ensures comprehensive identification, protection, and management of IP assets, streamlining compliance with ISO 27001:2022. This method enhances organisational security, mitigates risks, and fosters adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.

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ISO 27001 A.5.32 Intellectual Property Rights Checklist

A.5.32 Intellectual Property Rights within the context of ISO 27001:2022 focuses on ensuring that an organisation’s intellectual property (IP) is protected and managed effectively. Intellectual property includes assets such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and other proprietary information.

Properly managing and protecting IP is critical for maintaining competitive advantage, fostering innovation, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This involves a comprehensive approach that encompasses identification, protection, legal compliance, monitoring, enforcement, awareness, documentation, and incident response.


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Why Should You Comply With Annex A.5.32? Key Aspects and Common Challenges

1. Identification of Intellectual Property

Common Challenges: Accurately identifying and cataloguing all IP assets can be difficult due to the diversity and scope of IP. Overlooked IP assets can lead to vulnerabilities.

Solution: Utilise the ISMS.online Asset Registry to maintain a comprehensive inventory and classification of IP assets.

Compliance Checklist:

  • Identify and catalogue all IP assets.
  • Classify IP assets based on sensitivity and value.
  • Regularly update the IP asset registry to reflect changes.

Related ISO 27001 Clauses: Understanding the organisation and its context, Operational planning and control.

2. Protection Measures

Common Challenges: Implementing appropriate protection measures can be complex, especially with varying levels of sensitivity and different types of IP.

Solution: Leverage ISMS.online’s Asset Management features to apply technical controls like encryption and administrative controls like access policies effectively.

Compliance Checklist:

  • Implement technical controls (e.g., encryption) for IP protection.
  • Establish physical controls (e.g., secure storage) for sensitive IP.
  • Develop and enforce administrative controls (e.g., access policies).

Related ISO 27001 Clauses: Risk treatment, Information security risk assessment.

3. Compliance and Legal Requirements

Common Challenges: Keeping up with diverse and evolving legal and regulatory requirements related to IP across different jurisdictions can be overwhelming.

Solution: Use the Regs Database and Alert System in ISMS.online to stay updated on relevant IP laws and regulations.

Compliance Checklist:

  • Identify all applicable IP-related legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure policies and procedures comply with these requirements.
  • Regularly review and update compliance documentation.

Related ISO 27001 Clauses: Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties, Leadership and commitment.

4. Monitoring and Enforcement

Common Challenges: Continuous monitoring for IP breaches and enforcement of IP rights can be resource-intensive and require specialised skills.

Solution: Implement ISMS.online’s Incident Management features to monitor IP protection, log incidents, and automate workflows for consistent handling.

Compliance Checklist:

  • Monitor IP assets for potential breaches continuously.
  • Log all IP-related incidents promptly.
  • Automate incident response workflows for consistency.
  • Enforce IP rights through appropriate legal channels.

Related ISO 27001 Clauses: Monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation, Nonconformity and corrective action.

5. Awareness and Training

Common Challenges: Ensuring all employees are aware of IP policies and their responsibilities can be challenging, especially in large or dispersed organisations.

Solution: Utilise ISMS.online’s Training Modules to provide comprehensive training and track completion to ensure all employees understand IP protection.

Compliance Checklist:

  • Develop and distribute IP awareness training materials.
  • Conduct regular training sessions for all employees.
  • Track training completion and assess understanding.

Related ISO 27001 Clauses: Competence, Awareness.

6. Documentation and Procedures

Common Challenges: Maintaining up-to-date and accurate documentation of IP management procedures is essential but can be laborious.

Solution: Use ISMS.online’s Policy Management features to create, update, and control access to IP management documents, ensuring consistency and compliance.

Compliance Checklist:

  • Document all IP management procedures clearly.
  • Implement a version control system for procedure documents.
  • Regularly review and update documentation to reflect current practices.

Related ISO 27001 Clauses: Documented information, Operational planning and control.

7. Incident Response

Common Challenges: Developing and implementing effective incident response plans for IP-related incidents requires coordination and expertise.

Solution: Employ ISMS.online’s Incident Tracker and Workflow to plan, prepare, and execute responses to IP incidents swiftly and effectively.

Compliance Checklist:

  • Develop a comprehensive incident response plan for IP incidents.
  • Train relevant personnel on incident response procedures.
  • Regularly test and update the incident response plan.
  • Document and review all incidents and responses for continuous improvement.

Related ISO 27001 Clauses: Actions to address risks and opportunities, Continual improvement.


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ISMS.online Features for Demonstrating Compliance with A.5.32

ISMS.online provides several features that are instrumental in demonstrating compliance with A.5.32:

1. Asset Management

  • Asset Registry: Maintain a detailed registry of IP assets, ensuring all are identified and catalogued.
  • Labeling System: Implement classification and labeling of IP assets to ensure appropriate protection measures are in place.
  • Access Control: Manage and monitor access to IP assets, ensuring only authorised personnel have access.

2. Policy Management

  • Policy Templates: Utilise pre-built policy templates to create comprehensive IP protection policies.
  • Policy Pack: Bundle relevant policies and ensure they are communicated effectively across the organisation.
  • Version Control: Keep track of policy updates and maintain a history of changes to ensure compliance and accountability.
  • Document Access: Control who can view and edit policies, ensuring sensitive IP-related policies are protected.

3. Incident Management

  • Incident Tracker: Log and track IP-related incidents, ensuring a prompt and effective response.
  • Workflow: Define and automate workflows for incident management, ensuring consistent handling of IP incidents.
  • Notifications: Set up notifications for IP incidents to ensure relevant stakeholders are informed immediately.
  • Reporting: Generate reports on IP incidents to monitor trends and improve incident response strategies.

4. Compliance Management

  • Regs Database: Access a database of regulations and ensure compliance with IP-related legal requirements.
  • Alert System: Receive alerts on changes to IP laws and regulations to stay compliant.
  • Reporting: Generate compliance reports to demonstrate adherence to IP protection standards.

5. Training

  • Training Modules: Provide training on IP protection, ensuring employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities.
  • Training Tracking: Monitor and track training completion to ensure all employees have received necessary education.
  • Assessment: Assess the effectiveness of training programmes and identify areas for improvement.

Detailed Annex A.5.32 Compliance Checklist

1. Identification of Intellectual Property

Identify and catalogue all IP assets.

Classify IP assets based on sensitivity and value.

Regularly update the IP asset registry to reflect changes.

2. Protection Measures

Implement technical controls (e.g., encryption) for IP protection.

Establish physical controls (e.g., secure storage) for sensitive IP.

Develop and enforce administrative controls (e.g., access policies).

3. Compliance and Legal Requirements

Identify all applicable IP-related legal and regulatory requirements.

Ensure policies and procedures comply with these requirements.

Regularly review and update compliance documentation.

4. Monitoring and Enforcement

Monitor IP assets for potential breaches continuously.

Log all IP-related incidents promptly.

Automate incident response workflows for consistency.

Enforce IP rights through appropriate legal channels.

5. Awareness and Training

Develop and distribute IP awareness training materials.

Conduct regular training sessions for all employees.

Track training completion and assess understanding.

6. Documentation and Procedures

Document all IP management procedures clearly.

Implement a version control system for procedure documents.

Regularly review and update documentation to reflect current practices.

7. Incident Response

Develop a comprehensive incident response plan for IP incidents.

Train relevant personnel on incident response procedures.

Regularly test and update the incident response plan.

Document and review all incidents and responses for continuous improvement.

By leveraging these ISMS.online features, organisations can effectively manage and protect their intellectual property, ensuring compliance with ISO 27001:2022 A.5.32 and safeguarding their valuable IP assets. This approach helps address common challenges faced by CISOs in implementing IP protection, streamlining processes, and enhancing organisational security.


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Every Annex A Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Annex A.5 Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Control NumberISO 27001 Control Checklist
Annex A.5.1Policies for Information Security Checklist
Annex A.5.2Information Security Roles and Responsibilities Checklist
Annex A.5.3Segregation of Duties Checklist
Annex A.5.4Management Responsibilities Checklist
Annex A.5.5Contact With Authorities Checklist
Annex A.5.6Contact With Special Interest Groups Checklist
Annex A.5.7Threat Intelligence Checklist
Annex A.5.8Information Security in Project Management Checklist
Annex A.5.9Inventory of Information and Other Associated Assets Checklist
Annex A.5.10Acceptable Use of Information and Other Associated Assets Checklist
Annex A.5.11Return of Assets Checklist
Annex A.5.12Classification of Information Checklist
Annex A.5.13Labelling of Information Checklist
Annex A.5.14Information Transfer Checklist
Annex A.5.15Access Control Checklist
Annex A.5.16Identity Management Checklist
Annex A.5.17Authentication Information Checklist
Annex A.5.18Access Rights Checklist
Annex A.5.19Information Security in Supplier Relationships Checklist
Annex A.5.20Addressing Information Security Within Supplier Agreements Checklist
Annex A.5.21Managing Information Security in the ICT Supply Chain Checklist
Annex A.5.22Monitoring, Review and Change Management of Supplier Services Checklist
Annex A.5.23Information Security for Use of Cloud Services Checklist
Annex A.5.24Information Security Incident Management Planning and Preparation Checklist
Annex A.5.25Assessment and Decision on Information Security Events Checklist
Annex A.5.26Response to Information Security Incidents Checklist
Annex A.5.27Learning From Information Security Incidents Checklist
Annex A.5.28Collection of Evidence Checklist
Annex A.5.29Information Security During Disruption Checklist
Annex A.5.30ICT Readiness for Business Continuity Checklist
Annex A.5.31Legal, Statutory, Regulatory and Contractual Requirements Checklist
Annex A.5.32Intellectual Property Rights Checklist
Annex A.5.33Protection of Records Checklist
Annex A.5.34Privacy and Protection of PII Checklist
Annex A.5.35Independent Review of Information Security Checklist
Annex A.5.36Compliance With Policies, Rules, and Standards for Information Security Checklist
Annex A.5.37Documented Operating Procedures Checklist


ISO 27001 Annex A.6 Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Control NumberISO 27001 Control Checklist
Annex A.6.1Screening Checklist
Annex A.6.2Terms and Conditions of Employment Checklist
Annex A.6.3Information Security Awareness, Education and Training Checklist
Annex A.6.4Disciplinary Process Checklist
Annex A.6.5Responsibilities After Termination or Change of Employment Checklist
Annex A.6.6Confidentiality or Non-Disclosure Agreements Checklist
Annex A.6.7Remote Working Checklist
Annex A.6.8Information Security Event Reporting Checklist


ISO 27001 Annex A.7 Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Control NumberISO 27001 Control Checklist
Annex A.7.1Physical Security Perimeters Checklist
Annex A.7.2Physical Entry Checklist
Annex A.7.3Securing Offices, Rooms, and Facilities Checklist
Annex A.7.4Physical Security Monitoring Checklist
Annex A.7.5Protecting Against Physical and Environmental Threats Checklist
Annex A.7.6Working in Secure Areas Checklist
Annex A.7.7Clear Desk and Clear Screen Checklist
Annex A.7.8Equipment Siting and Protection Checklist
Annex A.7.9Security of Assets Off-Premises Checklist
Annex A.7.10Storage Media Checklist
Annex A.7.11Supporting Utilities Checklist
Annex A.7.12Cabling Security Checklist
Annex A.7.13Equipment Maintenance Checklist
Annex A.7.14Secure Disposal or Re-Use of Equipment Checklist


ISO 27001 Annex A.8 Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Control NumberISO 27001 Control Checklist
Annex A.8.1User Endpoint Devices Checklist
Annex A.8.2Privileged Access Rights Checklist
Annex A.8.3Information Access Restriction Checklist
Annex A.8.4Access to Source Code Checklist
Annex A.8.5Secure Authentication Checklist
Annex A.8.6Capacity Management Checklist
Annex A.8.7Protection Against Malware Checklist
Annex A.8.8Management of Technical Vulnerabilities Checklist
Annex A.8.9Configuration Management Checklist
Annex A.8.10Information Deletion Checklist
Annex A.8.11Data Masking Checklist
Annex A.8.12Data Leakage Prevention Checklist
Annex A.8.13Information Backup Checklist
Annex A.8.14Redundancy of Information Processing Facilities Checklist
Annex A.8.15Logging Checklist
Annex A.8.16Monitoring Activities Checklist
Annex A.8.17Clock Synchronisation Checklist
Annex A.8.18Use of Privileged Utility Programs Checklist
Annex A.8.19Installation of Software on Operational Systems Checklist
Annex A.8.20Networks Security Checklist
Annex A.8.21Security of Network Services Checklist
Annex A.8.22Segregation of Networks Checklist
Annex A.8.23Web Filtering Checklist
Annex A.8.24Use of Cryptography Checklist
Annex A.8.25Secure Development Life Cycle Checklist
Annex A.8.26Application Security Requirements Checklist
Annex A.8.27Secure System Architecture and Engineering Principles Checklist
Annex A.8.28Secure Coding Checklist
Annex A.8.29Security Testing in Development and Acceptance Checklist
Annex A.8.30Outsourced Development Checklist
Annex A.8.31Separation of Development, Test and Production Environments Checklist
Annex A.8.32Change Management Checklist
Annex A.8.33Test Information Checklist
Annex A.8.34Protection of Information Systems During Audit Testing Checklist


How ISMS.online Help With A.5.32

Are you ready to elevate your organisation’s intellectual property protection and ensure compliance with ISO 27001:2022? With ISMS.online, you can streamline your processes, safeguard your valuable IP assets, and confidently meet regulatory requirements.

Our comprehensive suite of tools and features is designed to address the challenges faced by CISOs and security professionals, providing you with the support and resources needed to implement robust IP protection measures.

Contact us today to book a demo and see how ISMS.online can transform your IP management and compliance strategy. Our experts are here to guide you through the process, demonstrating how our platform can help you achieve your security goals. Don’t wait—take the first step towards a more secure and compliant future.

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