Granting rights without a full system.
WHAT LICENSING IS
Granting permission to use something you own: a brand, a product, a design, a process or a technology.
WHAT IT DOES NOT INVOLVE
Control over how the licensee runs their business.
WHY THAT MATTERS
It carries fewer obligations and less support burden.
WHAT CAN BE LICENSED
Trademarks and brand Copyright works Patented technology Designs Know-how and processes Software
WHAT LICENSING SUITS
A brand with value but no complete operating system A product others can manufacture or distribute Technology others can apply Geographic expansion without operating
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE LICENSING ANYTHING
That you actually own it, and that it is protected.
WHY
You cannot license what you do not own or cannot defend.
WHAT TO REGISTER FIRST
Trademarks, in the relevant territories.
WHAT A LICENCE AGREEMENT SHOULD ADDRESS
What is licensed, precisely For what use In what territory Exclusive or not For how long What is paid, and how calculated Quality requirements How compliance is verified What the licensee may not do Termination and its effects
WHY QUALITY REQUIREMENTS MATTER
Your brand applied to poor products damages it, and unmonitored trademark licensing can weaken the mark.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Inspection and approval rights.
WHAT TO AVOID
Licensing without any ability to monitor.
WHAT TO HAVE
The agreement drafted by a solicitor.
