Valuators of IP should take care to pin down rights ownership

Chief among issues valuators of IP need to consider is ownership.  Matt Atkins argues this painstaking process should begin early in due diligence. What organizations and individuals were involved in the development of the IP? Any and all assignments must be reviewed. If universities or research organizations were involved, did they receive government funding? Are there any active licenses of the IP? How do they affect access to markets, competitive balance, associated costs, and freedom to operate (FTO)?