LICENSING, POOLING & OTHER TRANSACTIONS
Leveraging patents, trade secrets, or portions of an IP portfolio can often generate revenue streams, open new markets, or shut down competitors. Innovations in computer hardware, software, and biotechnology often build on a number of other innovations owned by a diverse set of owners and as a result “patent thicket" problems - overlapping patent claims that preclude the adoption of new technologies - can be severe.
A patent pool is a consortium of at least two companies agreeing to cross-license patents relating to a particular technology. The creation of a patent pool can save patentees and licensees time and money, and, in case of blocking patents, it may also be the only reasonable method for making the invention available to the public. Transactions may be simple licenses for income or complex strategic alliances providing product and market access to both parties.
We have helped clients set up and run licensing programs that have generated significant revenue streams, and we have worked with clients to pool patents and deal with standards issues. We can analyze the potential for generating royalty income from existing IP rights, then formulate and execute licensing programs to help you realize full revenue potential.
We advise on everything in a transaction program ranging from the initial confidential evaluation agreement through management of the portfolio of executed IP agreements. As business relationships evolve, we assist in enforcing or amending obligations in those agreements. Our legal and technical experience and our background in the business of exploiting technology and IP assets bring our clients a strategic advantage.
