Whether the goal is to monetise existing rights, collaborate with partners, or strengthen your negotiating position, we provide clear strategic advice to enable the goal.
We can help you assess the strength and market relevance of your portfolio, identify licensing or sale opportunities, and manage the risks associated with IP commercialisation.
A: Licensing allows another party to use your intellectual property under agreed conditions while you retain ownership. This arrangement can generate income, expand your market reach, or facilitate collaboration. A well-drafted licence sets clear boundaries, defines permitted uses, and protects your interests while enabling mutual benefit.
A: Licensing can transform intellectual property into a consistent revenue stream without the cost of manufacturing or marketing. It can also strengthen strategic partnerships and help you reach new markets more quickly. Licensing is particularly valuable for technology companies and innovators seeking to scale efficiently.
A: An exclusive licence gives one licensee the right to use the IP to the exclusion of all others, including the owner. A sole licence allows the licensee and the owner to use the IP, while a non-exclusive licence permits multiple licensees. Choosing the right structure depends on your commercial goals and the value of the IP involved.
A: Evaluating a portfolio involves assessing the legal strength, market relevance, and competitive landscape of your IP assets. We analyse existing rights, identify underused assets, and explore opportunities for licensing, collaboration, or sale. This process helps you maximise return on investment and align your IP with business strategy.
A: A good licence agreement defines scope of use, territories, duration, royalties, reporting obligations, quality control, and dispute resolution. Each term should reflect the commercial objectives of both parties while protecting the underlying IP. Clear terms help avoid misunderstandings and disputes later.
A: Royalties can be fixed payments, percentages of sales, milestone payments, or combinations thereof. The structure depends on the value of the IP, the exclusivity of the licence, and the commercial potential of the product. We assist clients in negotiating fair and sustainable royalty arrangements.
A: Common risks include misuse of the IP, breach of confidentiality, underreporting of royalties, or loss of control over quality. Comprehensive agreements and regular monitoring help mitigate these risks. We help clients draft licences that are commercially flexible yet legally robust.
A: You must have clear rights or ownership in the IP before granting a licence. If the IP was developed collaboratively, we can help you confirm ownership, secure assignments, or structure joint licensing arrangements to avoid disputes.
A: Selling (assigning) your IP may be preferable if you want an immediate return, are exiting a market, or no longer wish to manage the rights. Licensing is better suited for long-term revenue and ongoing collaboration. We can help assess which approach best fits your business objectives.
A: Active management ensures your rights remain current, properly renewed, and strategically aligned with your business. It also helps identify assets that can be licensed, improved, or retired. By regularly reviewing your IP portfolio, you maintain a clear view of where value can be created or extracted.