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.

What are intellectual property warranties and when should they be used?

I found this site: "IP Warranty, Indemnity, or both?" however, it is still not clear to me exactly what they are and how they come into play when deal making.

Can anyone shine some light on this? Thanks in advance.

share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 4 down vote accepted

When you license your technology to another firm they often want the license to include an IP warranty and some form of indemnity.

The IP Warranty states that you own the IP rights to this product. You are certifying that you developed this product or you have the legal right to license it.

The indemnity clause is the troublesome part of the license agreement. When you indemnify someone who licenses your technology you are agreeing to pay all their legal costs if they are sued over your IP.

Your attorney will always tell you to leave the indemnity clause out, while the other part will always want it in. Some form of compromise, that limits your financial exposure is usually the end result of this negotiation.

Finally, never ever ever ever sign an agreement that includes an indemnity clause without the express approval of your attorney!

share|improve this answer
Great answer! Thanks. – nbeecroft Mar 10 '10 at 12:59

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.