IP Licensing

Licensing intellectual property (IP) enables you to retain ownership of your IP whilst permitting others to make some use of it. For example, reproduce an artwork, manufacture a product or authorise use of your patent.

The nature of the licensing agreement depends on the IP you intend to license. Is it use of a brand, technology, content, designs, or something else? Licensing depends on having the necessary intellectual property rights in the first place, so first make sure that you own these.

Licensing can be an excellent way to introduce a new revenue stream to your business, and arises commonly in the following situations:

• Where a business wants to enable others to make use of technology
• Sponsorship whereby sponsors allow you to use their brand during promotions
• Where computer software is ‘sold’ to consumers – in reality a licence is granted to use the software
• Endorsement or product placement
• Merchandising – common in the entertainment industry
• Franchising – when a business franchises its structure

To speak with one of our IP solicitors, contact us by calling 0131 557 6450, or complete our online enquiry form to request a call back.