IP services / IP licensing and technology transfer
HORAK · INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
IP licensing and technology transfer
Convert intellectual property into workable commercial arrangements. We draft and review licences, assignments, development agreements and settlements with attention to ownership, use rights and enforcement.
Define exactly what is licensed
A licence should identify the relevant rights, know-how, territory, field of use and permitted activities. Exclusivity, sublicensing and rights to improvements can substantially change the commercial bargain. Patent, copyright and trade mark licences require different drafting.
Make the economics workable
Royalty bases, reporting, audit rights, minimum payments and milestones should reflect the actual business model. Quality control, confidentiality and support duties may be as important as the headline royalty. Competition-law restrictions require a separate review.
Plan for disputes and exit
The agreement should address enforcement responsibility, invalidity challenges, termination, sell-off periods and the handling of confidential materials. Transfers must be supported by a reliable chain of title and, where appropriate, recordal in the relevant registers.
Three practical examples
Illustrative situations; outcomes depend on the facts and the applicable law.
01
A manufacturer licenses a patented process: the agreement distinguishes equipment supply from ongoing know-how support.
02
Two companies develop a joint platform: background rights and ownership of new results are agreed before work begins.
03
A brand owner appoints an exclusive licensee: quality controls and enforcement responsibilities need clear allocation.
What to prepare
Rights schedules, commercial terms, intended territories, existing agreements, development contributions and royalty assumptions.
How we approach your matter
01 · Assess
We identify the objective, the relevant rights and the next deadline. Existing documents and the technical or commercial background determine the scope of the review.
02 · Agree
We explain the available routes, material risks and expected stages. The instruction distinguishes professional fees from official charges, translations and external costs.
03 · Act
We carry out the agreed work, report material developments and identify the next decision. Filing, registration or a particular dispute outcome cannot be guaranteed.
Further information
Official guidance relevant to this topic. Individual advice requires a review of the particular documents, facts and deadlines.
International filing strategy · Portfolio review · IP disputes
Discuss the next step
Tell us what you want to protect, the markets involved and any filing, launch or response deadline. We will clarify the scope of the instruction, the documents needed and the basis of the fees before starting the agreed work. Please identify the parties first so that we can check for conflicts and arrange a suitable channel for sensitive technical information.
Hannover headquarters · Advice for German and international businesses · Our offices
Enquire about iP licences and technology transfer
Use this form for a licence, assignment or development agreement. Describe the rights or technology and the planned transaction so we can agree whether drafting, review or negotiation support is needed. All fields are optional.