IP Commercialisation

Turning IP into revenue

Licensing can let you generate revenue from your IP while retaining ownership. This might involve a trade mark, copyright, design or other IP asset.

We can help you structure the commercial arrangement, including what rights are being granted, who can use the IP, where it can be used, for how long and what the other party will pay.

Assigning your IP

Sometimes selling or transferring your IP outright makes commercial sense. An assignment can transfer ownership of the IP to another person or business, so it’s important to understand exactly what you’re giving up.

We’ll help you review or structure the assignment, identify the rights being transferred and make sure the agreement properly records the deal.

Avoiding common pitfalls

Poorly drafted licensing and assignment agreements are a common source of dispute later. We make sure the terms are clear from the outset, including territory, duration and quality control.

Getting the terms right

A licensing or assignment agreement needs to be clear about what is actually being transferred or licensed.

Depending on the deal, that may include:

• the IP being licensed or assigned

• the permitted uses

• territory

• duration

• exclusivity

• fees, royalties or other consideration

• quality control requirements

• sublicensing

• ownership of improvements or new IP

• what happens when the agreement ends

Getting these terms clear at the start can help avoid disputes about the scope of the deal later.

When IP commercialisation makes sense

IP commercialisation may be worth considering when:

• another business wants to use your brand or other IP

• you want to licence your IP without giving up ownership

• you're considering franchising or a commercial partnership

• you've developed IP that could be used outside your own business

• another business wants to buy or acquire your IP

• you're bringing a new partner into a business

• you're selling part or all of your business

• you want to generate another revenue stream from IP you already own

The right structure depends on the IP, the commercial relationship and what you want to achieve.

What we can help with

We can help with:

• reviewing your existing IP and identifying commercialisation opportunities

• licensing arrangements

• trade mark licences

• copyright licences

• IP assignments

• franchise and partnership arrangements involving IP

• reviewing proposed licensing or assignment agreements

• negotiating IP terms

• advising on ownership and control

• dealing with IP issues when buying or selling a business

We'll focus on the commercial outcome, not just the legal document.