Client Testimonials
"As patent and trade mark attorneys, we work closely with many different solicitors when helping clients to realize value from their Intellectual Property. Waterfront..., in particular Rachel Bunn and Carole Hailey, has a very client-focused, practical and responsive approach. Their team always provides clear and relevant advice, tailored to the background and needs of the client in question; this combination of qualities sets them apart from many of the large law firms."
Heather McCann, Partner, E-IP
www.e-ip.com
Sale Of Intellectual Property
Intellectual property rights can be exploited for example by either selling (assigning) the right to a third party, or by licensing it to a third party. How you chose to exploit your intellectual property will depend on a number of factors including your business model, the resources available to you, the nature and lifecycle of the product and the manufacturing costs and complexity.
The advantages of selling your intellectual property right is that you will receive a one-off lump sum payment and be released from the continuing responsibility of maintaining, policing and enforcing the right. However, the disadvantages are that, relative to licensing, you risk receiving an overall smaller return on your initial investment. This arises primarily due to the difficulties associated with valuing intellectual property rights in the light of changing market forces.
Depending on the nature of the intellectual property right, you may have to enter into a written assignment with the purchaser to ensure legal title passes. The assignment will (i) ensure you have no continuing obligations; (ii) procure, if necessary, that the assignment is registered with the Intellectual Property Office; and (iii) safeguard payment.