Granting a licence for your product or technology
Have you developed a new product or an innovative technology? Or have you, for example, created a unique photo or text? Then you can grant a licence to someone to make, use, or publish that product or service. This allows you to earn extra money from your creation.
What is a licence?
A licence is an agreement with which you give a company or person permission to use your creation. This is subject to conditions you choose. The agreement can be verbal or in writing. When you grant a licence, you remain the owner of your creation. In exchange, you can ask for a fee. For example, a percentage of the profits (royalties).
What can you use a licence for?
Licences are for products, services, or creations that are protected by intellectual property rights (IP rights). For example, protected by a patent, copyright, or design right.
With a licence, you give someone permission to:
- Publish any type of creative work for which you hold copyright. For example, a photo, text, software, drawing, or film.
Types of licences
There are different types of licences, such as:
- An exclusive licence for one person or business.
- A licence for several persons or businesses.
You can also grant a licence for a specific country, or for a specific use. Or, for example, for the use of your creation in another product.
Entering into a licence agreement
If you have found a licensee, it is often worthwhile to enter into a licence agreement. This contract may include agreements about:
- What the licensee can and cannot do with your product.
- What fee you will receive for this.
- What happens if someone else copies the product without permission.
Finding licensees for your patent
Are you looking for a partner to license a product or technology for which you have a paten? Then you can find licensing parties in patent databases, for example, or through a knowledge broker. Knowledge brokers look for a suitable partner for the licensor and the licensee. They play a mediating role in this process.