Talking Tax IP Poses Risks, Opportunities for Companies' Tariff Planning
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Aug 29, 2025 Glen Marku, a principal at Grant Thornton, shares critical insights into how tariffs impact multinational companies' intangible assets, like intellectual property. He discusses the staggering growth of these assets, which now represent 90% of the S&P 500's value. Marku explains how tariffs can indirectly raise product prices and emphasizes the importance of strategic IP management to minimize tax burdens. He also examines the risks and opportunities of relocating manufacturing in light of shifting tax regulations, urging businesses to adapt their strategies accordingly.
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IP Embedded Raises Tariffed Value
- Many tangible goods today contain significant embedded IP that raises their import value and tariff exposure.
- Glen Marku explains that patents, technology, and trademarks can materially affect tariffed prices.
Evaluate Footprint Before Reshoring
- Think through supply-chain footprint and possible relocation before making irreversible moves like reshoring manufacturing.
- Glen Marku says companies moved quickly after steel and aluminum tariffs and should weigh tax and tariff outcomes.
IP Can Live Separately From Factories
- IP location is largely independent of manufacturing location and multinationals often centralize IP in specific jurisdictions.
- Moving IP triggers valuation questions, exit charges, and requirements to show future development plans.