Tell me more ×
Answers OnStartups is a question and answer site for entrepreneurs looking to start or run a new business. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite
1

Can a license to a patent be considered a company's IP or asset? What can constitute as a company's IP?

share|improve this question

2 Answers

up vote 4 down vote accepted

You need to distinguish ownership of IP and IP rights.

If you own a patent then you also own all of the rights unless you have given those rights to someone else in a license. E.g., you can grant someone else an exclusive right to practice the patent and then you can't do it yourself.

If you don't own a patent, then you can get a license for an exclusive or non-exclusive right to practice the patent. In this situation you have IP rights but not ownership of the IP itself.

Both a patent and a license to a patent are assets.

share|improve this answer
+1 Kekito - thanks for the longer answer. I was hopping into a meeting when I saw the question and just gave a short answer. – Chris Kluis Jun 8 '11 at 11:12
up vote 1 down vote

Yes. Especially if its exclusive.

share|improve this answer
1  
Good to know. Could you provide more details? I know a patent is a type of IP, a license is also a type of IP? – Rihulo Jun 7 '11 at 20:47
A license means an entity can use the patent (usually for a fee). I am not sure why you are asking this in a comment since you were the one who brought it up in your question... – TimJ♦ Jun 7 '11 at 21:04

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.