assignment of ip rights agreement

This intellectual property agreement  is between , an individual a(n) (the " Assignor ") and  , an individual a(n) (the " Assignee ").

The Assignor has full interest in the intellectual property listed in Exhibit A and described in section 1 below.

The Assignor wishes to transfer to the Assignee, and the Assignee wishes to purchase and receive from the Assignor, all of its interest in the Intellectual Property.

The parties therefore agree as follows:

1. ASSIGNMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

The Assignor assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee accepts the assignment of, all of the Assignor's interest in the following in the United States and its territories and throughout the world:

• (a) the intellectual property rights related to the intellectual property listed in Exhibit A ;
• (b) all precursors, portions, and works in progress with respect to that intellectual property and all inventions, works of authorship, mask works, technology, information, know-how, materials, and tools relating to those or to the development, support, or maintenance of those;
• (c) all copyrights, patent rights, trade dress, trade names, business names, other indicia of origin, trade secret rights, trademark rights, mask works rights, and all other intellectual property rights and all business, contract rights, and goodwill in, incorporated, or embodied in, used to develop, or related to any of those; and
• (d) the registrations and applications for registrations of the foregoing (collectively, the" Intellectual Property ").

2. PURCHASE PRICE.

The Assignee shall pay the Assignor a flat fee of $ as full payment for all rights granted under this agreement. The Assignee shall complete this payment no later than .

3. RECORDATION.  

In order to record this assignment with all relevant government agencies, within hours of the effective date of this assignment, the parties shall sign the form of intellectual property assignment agreement attached as Exhibit B . The is solely responsible for filing the assignment and paying any associated fees of the transfer.

4. NO EARLY ASSIGNMENT.

The Assignee shall not assign or otherwise encumber its interest in the Intellectual Property or any associated registrations until it has paid to the Assignor the full consideration provided for in this assignment. Any assignment or encumbrance contrary to this provision shall be void.

5. ASSIGNOR'S REPRESENTATIONS.

The Assignor hereby represents and warrants to the Assignee that it:

• (a) is the sole owner of all interest in the Intellectual Property;
• (b) has not transferred, exclusively licensed, or encumbered any Intellectual Property or agreed to do so;
• (c) is not aware of any violation, infringement, or misappropriation of any third party's rights (or any claim of those) by the Intellectual Property;
• (d) is not aware of any third-party consents, assignments, or licenses that are necessary to perform under this assignment;
• (e) was not acting within the scope of employment of any third party when conceiving, creating, or otherwise performing any activity with respect to any item of Intellectual Property.

The Assignor shall immediately notify the Assignee in writing if any facts or circumstances arise that would make any of the representations in this assignment inaccurate.

6. INDEMNIFICATION. The Assignor shall indemnify the Assignee against:

• (a) any claim by a third party that the Intellectual Property or its use, manufacture, sale, distribution, or reproduction infringes on or misappropriates any copyrights, trade secrets, patents, or other intellectual property;
• (b) any claim by a third party that this assignment conflicts with, violates, or breaches any contract, assignment, license, sublicense, security interest, encumbrance, or other obligation to which the Assignor is a party or of which it has knowledge;
• (c) any claim relating to any past, present, or future use, licensing, sublicensing, distribution, marketing, disclosure, or commercialization of any of the Intellectual Property by the Assignor; and
• (i) the Assignee promptly notifies the Assignor of that claim;
• (ii) the Assignor controls the defense and settlement of that claim;
• (iii) the Assignee fully cooperates with the Assignor in connection with its defense and settlement of that claim; and
• (iv) the Assignee stops all sales, distribution, and public use of the infringing Intellectual Property, if requested by the Assignor.
• (i) obtain the right for the Assignee to continue to use the infringing Intellectual Property;
• (ii) modify the infringing Intellectual Property to eliminate the infringement;
• (iii) provide substitute noninfringing intellectual property to the Assignee pursuant to this assignment; or
• (iv) refund to the Assignee the amount paid under this assignment for the infringing Intellectual Property.
• (c) No Other Obligations. The Assignor shall have no other obligations or liability if infringement occurs, and shall have no other obligation of indemnification or to defend relating to infringement. The Assignor shall not be liable for any costs or expenses incurred without its prior written authorization and shall have no obligation of indemnification or any liability if the infringement is based on (i) any modified form of the Intellectual Property not made by the Assignor, (ii) any finding or ruling after the effective date of this assignment, or (iii) the laws of any country other than the United States of America or its states.

7. GOVERNING LAW.

• (a) Choice of Law. The laws of the state of  govern this agreement (without giving effect to its conflicts of law principles).
• (b) Choice of Forum. Both parties consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in County, .

8. AMENDMENTS.

No amendment to this assignment will be effective unless it is in writing and signed by a party or its authorized representative.

9. ASSIGNMENT AND DELEGATION.

• (a) No Assignment. Neither party may assign any of its rights under this assignment, except with the prior written consent of the other party. All voluntary assignments of rights are limited by this subsection.
• (b) No Delegation. Neither party may delegate any performance under this assignment, except with the prior written consent of the other party.
• (c) Enforceability of an Assignment or Delegation. If a purported assignment or purported delegation is made in violation of this section, it is void.

10. COUNTERPARTS; ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES.

• (a) Counterparts. The parties may execute this assignment in any number of counterparts, each of which is an original but all of which constitute one and the same instrument.
• (b) Electronic Signatures. This assignment, agreements ancillary to this assignment, and related documents entered into in connection with this assignment are signed when a party's signature is delivered by facsimile, email, or other electronic medium. These signatures must be treated in all respects as having the same force and effect as original signatures.

11. SEVERABILITY.

If any one or more of the provisions contained in this assignment is, for any reason, held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, that invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability will not affect any other provisions of this assignment, but this assignment will be construed as if those invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provisions had never been contained in it, unless the deletion of those provisions would result in such a material change so as to cause completion of the transactions contemplated by this assignment to be unreasonable.

12. NOTICES.

• (a) Writing; Permitted Delivery Methods. Each party giving or making any notice, request, demand, or other communication required or permitted by this agreement shall give that notice in writing and use one of the following types of delivery, each of which is a writing for purposes of this agreement: personal delivery, mail (registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return-receipt requested), nationally recognized overnight courier (fees prepaid), facsimile, or email.
• (b) Addresses. A party shall address notices under this section to a party at the following addresses:
• If to the Assignor: 
• If to the Assignee: 
• (c) Effectiveness. A notice is effective only if the party giving notice complies with subsections (a) and (b) and if the recipient receives the notice.

13. WAIVER.

No waiver of a breach, failure of any condition, or any right or remedy contained in or granted by the provisions of this assignment will be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the party waiving the breach, failure, right, or remedy. No waiver of any breach, failure, right, or remedy will be deemed a waiver of any other breach, failure, right, or remedy, whether or not similar, and no waiver will constitute a continuing waiver, unless the writing so specifies.

14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

This assignment constitutes the final agreement of the parties. It is the complete and exclusive expression of the parties' agreement about the subject matter of this assignment. All prior and contemporaneous communications, negotiations, and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter of this assignment are expressly merged into and superseded by this assignment. The provisions of this assignment may not be explained, supplemented, or qualified by evidence of trade usage or a prior course of dealings. Neither party was induced to enter this assignment by, and neither party is relying on, any statement, representation, warranty, or agreement of the other party except those set forth expressly in this assignment. Except as set forth expressly in this assignment, there are no conditions precedent to this assignment's effectiveness.

15. HEADINGS.

The descriptive headings of the sections and subsections of this assignment are for convenience only, and do not affect this assignment's construction or interpretation.

16. EFFECTIVENESS.

This assignment will become effective when all parties have signed it. The date this assignment is signed by the last party to sign it (as indicated by the date associated with that party's signature) will be deemed the date of this assignment.

17. NECESSARY ACTS; FURTHER ASSURANCES.

Each party shall use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to betaken, all actions necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective the transactions this assignment contemplates or to evidence or carry out the intent and purposes of this assignment.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

Each party is signing this agreement on the date stated opposite that party's signature. 

[PAGE BREAK HERE] EXHIBIT A LIST OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

[PAGE BREAK HERE] EXHIBIT B FORM OF RECORDABLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ASSIGNMENT For good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, an individual a(n) (the " Assignor ") hereby assigns to an individual a(n) (the " Assignee ") all of the Assignor's interest in the Intellectual Property identified in Attachment A to this assignment, and the Assignee accepts this assignment.

Each party is signing this agreement on the date stated opposite that party's signature.

[PAGE BREAK HERE]

ATTACHMENT A INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Free Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement Template

Safeguard the sale or purchase of assets with an intellectual property assignment agreement. transfer the ownership of patents, trademarks, software, and other critical assets easily..

Complete your document with ease

How-to guides, articles, and any other content appearing on this page are for informational purposes only, do not constitute legal advice, and are no substitute for the advice of an attorney.

Intellectual property assignment agreement: How-to guide

In the dynamic realm of commerce and innovation, the notion of property extends far beyond physical boundaries. Just as one might transfer ownership of a house or a car, the exchange of intellectual property (IP) rights is a critical component of modern business transactions. For instance, if you're launching a startup, acquiring product rights, or even purchasing an entire company, in each scenario, the seamless transfer of intellectual property ownership is essential for ensuring a smooth transition and protecting your interests.

So what constitutes intellectual property? Intellectual property encompasses creations of the mind, such as inventions, software, and hardware programs, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images. As businesses grow and evolve, the need to manage and protect these valuable assets becomes increasingly important. One crucial aspect of managing intellectual property is through intellectual property assignment agreement, otherwise known as IP assignment agreement. These agreements facilitate the transfer of IP rights from one part to another.

In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of intellectual property assignment agreements, including their definitions, benefits, types, and considerations.

What is an intellectual property assignment agreement?

An intellectual property assignment agreement, also known as an IP assignment agreement, is a written contract that transfers intellectual property rights from one party (the assignor) to another (the assignee). Intellectual property covers a broad spectrum of intangible assets, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and more.

For instance, a software developer might have created a groundbreaking algorithm while employed at the company. Through an IP assignment agreement, the developer transfers the rights to this algorithm to the employer, ensuring that the company has exclusive ownership and control over its use and commercialization.

Benefits of IP assignment agreement

IP assignment agreements are crucial in a company’s business and provide multiple benefits for the assignor and assignee.

Clear ownership

By executing an IP assignment agreement, the assignor unequivocally transfers all rights and interests in the intellectual property to the assignee. This clarity of ownership and proprietary rights helps to avoid disputes and potential litigation over the ownership of the IP in the future.

Legal protection

By formally transferring the IP rights through a written agreement, both parties are legally protected. This protection can be essential in case of any infringement or misuse of intellectual property.

Assured compensation or price guarantee

When transferring IP ownership rights for patents, trademarks, copyrights, etc., the original owner gets compensated by the party buying the ownership. The buyer will also pay the IP owner an agreed-upon price for the IP, which will be paid on the date as decided by the involved parties. 

No future obligations

The party selling the IP won’t be responsible for meeting any future obligations. For instance, if there is an existing trademark that requires constant monitoring to know whether the trademark is used by any other competitors, the seller won't bear the charges incurred for  trademark monitoring . The buyer has to bear these and any future trademark maintenance costs.

Commercialization opportunities

Assigning intellectual property rights can enable businesses to commercialize the intellectual property more effectively. This could involve licensing the IP to third parties, selling it outright, or using it as collateral for financing.

Facilitates collaboration

In cases where multiple parties are involved in creating intellectual property, an assignment agreement can facilitate collaboration by clearly defining each party's rights and responsibilities.

Risk mitigation

For businesses acquiring ownership rights to intellectual property, an assignment agreement mitigates the risk of third parties claiming rights to the IP. It provides a legal basis for defending against infringement claims and protects the assignee's investment in the IP.

Enhanced value

Clear ownership of intellectual property assets can enhance the value of a business, especially during mergers, acquisitions, or fundraising activities. Investors and stakeholders are more likely to perceive a business positively when it has secure ownership of valuable IP assets. For example, let’s say your start-up company holds sole intellectual property rights to an automatic house-locking system. When your company gets acquired by another company, the new company will also evaluate the value of the IP owned.

Understanding IP assignment agreements: Considerations for sellers

While intellectual property assignment agreements offer various benefits, as a seller of the IP you need to keep in mind what it entails for you when you sell your IP.

Choosing between an IP assignment and a licensing agreement

In an IP assignment agreement, the seller transfers all ownership rights to the intellectual property for a predetermined fee. Here the seller gets a fair market value for their IP as a one-time payment. However, if they had opted for an  IP licensing arrangement , they could have retained the ownership of their IP while giving certain usage rights to the interested party. For instance, let’s say you have written and composed a song. A music company wants your song under their label. Here you have two options. You can sell your song completely to the music label, where they’ll have the right to use or alter your song as they deem fit. Or you can license your creation for an agreed-upon fee or price and set the terms and conditions for using your song. Here you’re getting paid for your creation while retaining ownership of your creation. Whichever option works best for you can be opted and respective agreements can be drawn.  

Value uncertainty

The value of intellectual property can fluctuate over time due to changes in market demand, technological advancements, or legal developments. Sometimes an intellectual property’s future value can increase tremendously, impacting the fairness of the negotiated price. Hence, while deciding the price of such assets, the seller should calculate the future valuation and decide the price of IP.

Limited future opportunities

Once intellectual property rights are assigned, the assignor may be restricted from using or further developing the intellectual property in the future. This limitation could hinder the assignor's ability to explore new business ventures or pivot their existing strategies.

In conclusion, while an intellectual property assignment agreement offers significant benefits in terms of clarity, protection, and commercialization of intellectual property assets, parties must carefully weigh these advantages against the limitations. Consulting with legal professionals experienced in intellectual property law is essential to navigate these considerations effectively.

What are the types of IP assignment agreements?

Intellectual property assignment agreements are comprehensive in nature, outlining the terms and conditions under which the transfer of IP ownership occurs. Here's an overview of the types of IP assignment agreements:

Patent assignment agreement or assignment of patents

A  patent assignment agreement is a written agreement whereby the owner of a patent transfers or assigns their ownership rights to the other party. This agreement ensures that the assignee gains full legal rights to the patent, including the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling the patented invention, innovations, and processes. Patent assignment agreements typically include details about the patented invention, including patent numbers, descriptions, and any related rights or obligations. 

Copyright assignment agreement or assignment of copyrights

Copyright assignment agreements transfer ownership of creative works, such as literary works, music, art, and other creative expressions. By signing a copyright assignment agreement, the creator relinquishes their rights to reproduce, distribute, and display the copyrighted work to the assignee.

Trademark assignment agreement or assignment of trademarks

Trademark assignment agreements transfer ownership of trademarks, which are used to identify and distinguish goods or services in the marketplace. Through this agreement, the assignor relinquishes their exclusive rights to use the trademark in commerce, allowing the assignee to use and enforce the mark for their business or products.

Trade secret assignment agreement or assignment of trade secrets

Trade secret assignment agreements are used to transfer ownership of confidential information or trade secrets from one party to another. These agreements outline the specific trade secrets being transferred and impose obligations of confidentiality on the assignee to protect the secrecy of the information. 

By signing such an agreement, the assignee gains the rights to use and protect the trade secrets for their own benefit. It can be any proprietary information like formulas, processes, customer lists, and business strategies. These agreements typically include provisions to maintain confidentiality and prevent unauthorized disclosure or use of trade secrets.

Design assignment agreement or assignment of design

An assignment of design agreement involves the transfer of ownership rights related to industrial designs or product designs. It ensures that the assignee gains exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and modify the design according to their business needs. This agreement is crucial for companies involved in product development and manufacturing.

Employee or contractor IP assignment agreement

These agreements transfer ownership of intellectual property created by employees or contractors during their employment or engagement. They are essential for employers to secure ownership of IP developed by their personnel. They often include provisions related to confidentiality, non-competition, and non-disclosure, which are mostly included in an employment agreement. Sometimes, employers even ask employees to sign separate non-disclosure agreements whenever an employee comes up with an invention.  

Assignment of IP in a joint venture  

In cases where multiple parties jointly create intellectual property, a joint ownership agreement may establish each party's rights and responsibilities. These agreements detail the terms of joint ownership, including each party's share of the IP, decision-making authority, and rights to exploit the IP.

It's essential to choose the appropriate type of IP assignment agreement based on the specific intellectual property rights being transferred and the circumstances of the transaction. Consulting with legal professionals knowledgeable in intellectual property law can help ensure that the agreement adequately protects the interests of all parties involved.

Who uses intellectual property assignment agreements?

IP assignment agreements are utilized across a spectrum of industries and scenarios. These agreements are crucial tools for businesses and individuals seeking to define and transfer intellectual property rights.

Corporations and businesses

Employment agreement : Companies frequently incorporate IP assignment clauses into their employment contracts. This ensures that any intellectual property created by employees during the course of their employment is automatically assigned to the company.

Consulting agreement : Similar to employment agreements, consulting contracts may include provisions requiring consultants to transfer any intellectual property they develop while working for the company.

Transactions contemplated : In mergers, acquisitions, or other business transactions, IP assignment agreements are employed to transfer ownership of intellectual property assets between parties.

Joint ventures : Partners in joint ventures often use these agreements to clarify ownership rights and facilitate the sharing or licensing of intellectual property developed during the collaboration.

Individuals and inventors

Prior inventions : An individual with a prior invention may use IP assignment agreements to transfer ownership rights to a new employer or business partner.

Consultants and contractors : Freelancers, consultants, and independent contractors may be required to sign an IP or invention assignment agreement as part of their contractual arrangement with clients.

Startups : Startup founders commonly use these agreements to consolidate ownership of intellectual property created before or during the company's establishment.

In essence, assignment agreements are utilized by parties across various sectors and contexts to facilitate the transfer of valuable intellectual property rights, ensuring legal protection and compliance while fostering innovation and business growth.

Key provisions of an intellectual property assignment agreement

Introduction.

Begin the agreement by formally introducing the parties involved to the agreement. In an intellectual property assignment agreement, the party selling the IP is called the “assignor,” and the other party who buys it is called the “assignee.” Here, along with providing the details of the intellectual property, the assignor explicitly agrees to transfer intellectual property rights to the assignee according to the agreed-upon terms of the agreement.

Assignment of IP

This section specifies the intellectual property being transferred. It identifies the specific patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, or other intellectual property referenced in the agreement. Additionally, it outlines the scope of the transfer and any limitations on the assigned IP rights.

Purchase price

The agreement details any monetary compensation involved in the transfer of intellectual property rights. In this section, clearly outline the payment terms of the agreement. Detail whether the parties hereto agree to pay the assignor as a lump sum or in installments. If the payment is made in installments, you must also provide the schedule for such payment.

Recordation

To formalize the transfer of intellectual property rights, recordation with relevant authorities may be necessary. This provision addresses the requirement and process for recording the assignment with the appropriate governmental authority, ensuring compliance with legal formalities. 

No early assignment

This clause states that the assignment of IP rights cannot occur before certain conditions are met, such as before the completion of a project or the fulfillment of payment obligations. This section prevents premature transfers of IP.

Assignor’s representations

In this part, the assignor provides assurance that they have the sole right to the IP created and it hasn’t been licensed to any third-parties. They also affirm that they have the legal authority to transfer ownership of the IP and there are no undisclosed encumbrances or infringements.

Indemnification

This provision outlines the parties' obligations to indemnify each other against any losses, damages, or liabilities arising from a breach of the agreement or the assertion of third-party claims related to the transferred IP.

Governing law

This section specifies the jurisdiction whose laws will govern and interpret the agreement. It provides clarity in the event of legal disputes.

This clause outlines the procedures for making changes or modifications to the intellectual property assignment agreement. To make any changes pertaining to the terms of the agreement requires written consent from both parties.

Assignment and delegation

This provision addresses the transferability of rights and obligations under the IP assignment agreement. They stipulate whether parties can assign their rights or delegate their duties to third parties.

Counterparts; electronic signatures

This section permits the IP assignment agreement to be executed in multiple counterparts, facilitating convenience in signing. It also recognizes the legal validity of electronic signatures, ensuring compliance with modern technological practices.

Severability

The severability clause states that if any provision of the agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. This ensures that the invalidity of one provision does not invalidate the entire agreement.

This provision details the methods and addresses for official communication between the parties regarding the intellectual property assignment agreement. They ensure that important correspondence is properly delivered and acknowledged.

Waiver provision addresses instances where a party chooses not to enforce its rights under the agreement. For instance, if certain provisions are waived off on a one-time basis regarding the agreement, this doesn’t mean that the provision is waived for the entire term of the agreement. Take the case where the assignee is paying for the IP in installments. If the assignee is not able to pay the installment for a month, then the assignor can waive that default and continue the agreement upon prior written consent.

Entire agreement

This part of an intellectual property assignment agreement explains that the parties agree to the specific terms and conditions mentioned in the agreement. Any verbal negotiations or other terms that are even stated via email or otherwise are not part of this agreement.

This section states that the headings used in the agreement are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of the provisions.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness provision specifies the date on which the agreement becomes effective. This ensures clarity regarding when the rights and obligations outlined in the agreement take effect.

Necessary acts; further assurances

Requires the parties to take any additional actions necessary to carry out the terms of the agreement fully. This may include signing additional documents or cooperating with each other as needed.

How does an online template facilitate drafting intellectual property assignment agreements?

There are various advantages of using an online template for IP such as.

Simplified drafting process

Online templates streamline the drafting process of IP assignment agreements. By providing a structured framework, these templates guide users through the essential elements required for such agreements. Users can efficiently input pertinent details specific to their arrangement, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the subject matter assigned.

Ease of customization

Some  online template providers, like LegalZoom , allow you to easily customize the templates to suit specific circumstances. With editing options available, users can modify clauses and provisions to reflect their agreed-upon terms and conditions of the arrangement

Clarity and consistency

These templates offer clear and standardized language, enhancing understanding and minimizing ambiguity. Consistent formatting and terminology throughout the agreement contribute to its readability and effectiveness.

Time and cost efficiency

Utilizing an online template can minimize the need for extensive document research and costly legal consultations. It allows parties to draft a comprehensive IP assignment agreement efficiently and affordably, saving valuable time and resources.

Accessibility and convenience

Online templates are readily accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling parties to initiate and complete the drafting process conveniently. This accessibility promotes collaboration and facilitates the timely execution of agreements.

As you can see, using online templates provides numerous benefits. Since there are a multitude of templates available online, choosing the right template is key. To streamline this process, LegalZoom offers a comprehensive intellectual property assignment agreement template that is simple and easy to use. Just answer the guided questions, complete the form, and download the document for free.

Frequently asked questions

What's an intellectual property assignment agreement.

When your business needs to sell or buy intangible assets, use an intellectual property assignment agreement to protect both parties. It enables the transfer of ownership of intangible items legally. Intellectual property includes everything from patents to trademarks to software and more.

What key details are required to complete your assignment agreement?

Here's the information you'll need to complete your intellectual property assignment agreement:

• Who owns the intellectual property : Keep the information of the assignor ready while drafting your agreements 
• Who's buying the intellectual property : Have the name and contact details of the assignee ready
• How much it costs : Know what the buyer pays for the intellectual property

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Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide for Your Business

LegalGPS : May 21, 2024 at 12:30 PM

Hello there, entrepreneur friend! Today let’s have that coffee chat about Intellectual Property Assignment Agreements. If you're thinking "what's that?" or "why do I need it?" then this is the perfect starting point for you. In today's competitive business world, protecting your intellectual property (IP) is more crucial than ever.

Table of Contents

Defining the purpose.

• Clarity of Transfer
• Definition of Transferred Intellectual Property
• Compensation and Payment Terms
• Warranties and Representations
• Confidentiality Agreements
• Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Step 1 - Identify the Parties Involved

Step 2 - specify the assigned intellectual property, step 3 - describe the transfer of rights, step 4 - detail compensation and payment terms, step 5 - include confidentiality clauses, step 6 - determine governing law and dispute resolution process, tips for avoiding common mistakes and pitfalls.

What is An Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement?

An Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement is a legal document that ensures the transfer of an inventor or creator's rights to another person or company. Essentially, it’s a legal way of saying "what’s mine is now yours". These agreements are often used in situations involving startups, company buyouts, or employees creating new works or inventions during their jobs - situations a lot of entrepreneurs find themselves in.

Let's break that down a touch more:

The IP assignment agreement's primary purpose is to help your business prevent future disputes regarding IP ownership. When all parties are clear on who owns the intellectual property, it prevents a whole host of potential issues.

Believe me, the last thing you need or want as an entrepreneur is a legal dispute over who owns an idea, an invention, or any creative output.

And that's where this agreement steps in: it provides legal proof that the ownership has been transferred. So, if ever challenged, you can show the agreement and say "See, it’s mine!" .

Key Elements to Consider for a Properly Drafted Agreement

When it comes to IP assignment agreements, not just any generic contract will do. It's crucial to understand and include some key elements to ensure you're fully protected.

1. Clarity of Transfer

The agreement must clearly define the scope and extent of the transferred rights. To do this, use precise language that leaves no room for confusion. For example, specify whether the IP rights being transferred are exclusive or non-exclusive and if there are any limitations on how the Assignee can use or sublicense the IP. Here's a suggested format:

"The Assignor hereby assigns to the Assignee, its successors and assigns, [exclusive/non-exclusive] rights, title, and interest in and to the Intellectual Property, subject to the following limitations [if any]:"

2. Definition of Transferred Intellectual Property

This section is where you identify the specific Intellectual Property being assigned. Start by describing the IP type (e.g., copyright, patent, trademark), then provide the necessary details:

For a copyright, include the work title and a brief description.

For a patent, mention the patent number and summarize the invention.

For a trademark, provide the trademark name, registration number, and design details.

Remember, the key is to be as detailed and transparent as possible.

3. Compensation and Payment Terms

Just as with any deal, it's important to be crystal clear about the compensation for transferring IP rights. Make sure you consider the following in your agreement:

The total amount payable

The currency

The payment method (e.g., check, wire transfer)

The payment schedule (e.g., lump-sum, installments)

For example: "In consideration for the assignment of rights, the Assignee shall pay the Assignor a total sum of [Amount] in [Currency], through [Payment Method], payable as follows:"

4. Warranties and Representations

Including warranties and representations in the agreement helps provide confidence to both parties. The Assignor should explicitly declare that they:

Are the sole and true owner of the IP

Have the complete right to assign the IP to the Assignee

The IP does not infringe on any third-party rights

A sample clause might look like this:

"The Assignor warrants and represents that they are the true and lawful owner of the Intellectual Property, have full right and authority to enter into this Agreement, and that the Intellectual Property does not infringe upon any third-party rights."

5. Confidentiality Agreements

A crucial aspect of a well-drafted IP Assignment Agreement is protecting sensitive information about the business and the IP itself. Incorporate confidentiality clauses to maintain a secure environment.

Try a clause similar to this one: "The parties agree to treat all confidential information related to this Agreement as strictly confidential, and to take all necessary precautions to prevent unauthorized disclosure or use of such information."

6. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Last but not least, outline which jurisdiction's laws will govern the agreement. Furthermore, state how any disputes will be resolved, such as through arbitration, mediation, or litigation.

A model clause could be: "This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of [State]. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be resolved by [method of dispute resolution]."

Drafting Your IP Assignment Agreement

Let's move on to the most crucial part of our discussion: Creating your Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement. This section intends to make it much clearer and more action-oriented. Your aim? To walk away with enough information to begin drafting your agreement. Let's dive in.

Start by clearly naming the parties involved in the agreement.

Who is the 'Assignor' (the party transferring the rights)?

Who is the 'Assignee' (the individual or business entity receiving the rights)? Clearly outline their legal names and any other relevant identifying information, like addresses or official business names. It would typically look like this: "[Full Legal Name], referred to as the "Assignor," and [Full Legal Name], referred to as the "Assignee."

Here, you need to provide a full and exhaustive description of the intellectual property being transferred. Please don't leave room for vagueness or ambiguity - the more specific, the better. For instance, if it's a patent, include the patent number and a detailed summary of what the patent covers. If it's a copyrighted work, offer the title, the form of the work (e.g., a book, software, music), and a short description of it.

Your entry here might read: "The "Intellectual Property" includes, but is not limited to, [detailed description]."

This section is all about clearly laying out what you're giving up and what you're gaining. Highlight all rights, titles, and interests being assigned from the Assignor to the Assignee. You could list them out just to ensure nothing falls between the cracks.

It’s vital to be as clear and detailed as possible here. You're specifying the extent of the rights transferred. It could be exclusive, non-exclusive, permanent, temporary, how it can be used, if it can be sold, and more.

Here's an example:

"The Assignor hereby assigns to the Assignee, its successors and assigns, all rights, title, and interest in and to the Intellectual Property, including, without limitation, the right to sue and recover for past, present, and future violations."

Now, let's talk about money. In this step, you need to fully detail the financial exchanges. Include the amount of payment, payment format, and schedule (upfront, lump sum, installments). It wouldn't hurt to clearly lay out what conditions, if any, would lead to a return of the compensation.

This clause might look something like:

"For the assignment of rights under this Agreement, the Assignee shall provide compensation to the Assignor in the amount of [Amount], payable [insert payment method and schedule]".

Especially with IP, you'll want to build in some safety nets. You can include a confidentiality clause that prevents the involved parties from disclosing sensitive information about the IP.

A basic confidentiality clause may read: "The Assignor agrees to keep confidential all non-public information that the Assignee designates as being confidential, not to disclose it to any other people, and not to use it for any purpose other than the discharge of the Assignor's obligations under this Agreement."

Finally, specify which state or country's laws will govern the agreement. This is crucial in the case of any future legal disputes. Additionally, include how disputes over the agreement will be resolved - arbitration, mediation, litigation, etc.

Here is an example:

"This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State]. Any disputes under this Agreement shall be resolved by [method of dispute resolution]."

You're now equipped with all you need to draft an agreement. But before you get started, here are some quick tips to avoid any missteps:

Ensure the agreement is detailed and described correctly

Work with a knowledgeable attorney

Review the final agreement carefully before signing

With these, you're set to protect your business's most valuable assets!

In today's competitive business environment, it's imperative to protect your inventions, your creations - your Intellectual Property. If you're still unsure where to start, check out our professional template for Intellectual Property Assignments!

With an Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement in hand, you're ensuring that ownership of these is well established to prevent future disputes. So here's to smoother operations and peace of mind!

Always remember, we're in this together - as you navigate the business world, consider us your legal co-pilot, happy to guide you on your journey.

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Intellectual property (IP) assignment agreement: Sample template for Ontario startups

In a technology business, it is often the value of the intellectual property (IP) assets that the investor finances or the purchaser pays for. It is critical to have “clean” ownership of any intellectual property that is critical to the operation and success of your business. If your products and services depend on certain key IP assets, an investor will undertake due diligence to understand your right to use such assets.

An intellectual property assignment agreement provides assurance to investors that the founders have legally transferred to the company the intellectual property required to run the business.

Make sure to engage qualified IP counsel at a very early stage of your business to ensure that you have the freedom to operate your business with your inventions and to make certain that your business can meet the due diligence requirements of investors. MaRS has created a sample template of an intellectual property assignment agreement to help streamline business for investors, founders and their respective legal advisors. While MaRS makes this document available for educational purposes and to facilitate the negotiation of terms between investors and startups, the template is yours to use at your own risk . Please see the disclaimer below.

Download the Sample intellectual property assignment template

Read next: Sample funding templates for Ontario investors and entrepreneurs

This sample legal document has been made available by MaRS Discovery District for informational purposes only and does not constitute advertising, a solicitation, or legal advice. Neither the transmission of this sample legal document nor the transmission of any information contained in this website is intended to create, and receipt hereof or thereof does not constitute formation of, a lawyer-client relationship. Internet subscribers and online readers should not rely upon this sample legal document or the information contained in this website for any purpose without seeking legal advice from a qualified lawyer practicing in the reader’s province.

The information contained in this website is provided only as general information and may or may not reflect the most current legal developments; accordingly, information on this website is not promised or guaranteed to be correct or complete. MaRS Discovery District expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this website.

Check out Ontario’s IP Ecosystem Map ! Our partners at IPON designed this tool to help guide Ontario innovators & researchers on their IP journey. It’s an interactive PDF with info on IP service providers across Ontario.

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Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement

Nov 2, 2022

An intellectual property assignment agreement is an agreement to transfer intellectual property from one person or company to another.

What is an Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement?

An intellectual property assignment agreement is an agreement to transfer intellectual property from one person or company to another. The agreement may also be referred to as an intellectual property transfer agreement, an IP assignment agreement or an IP transfer agreement.

When should you use an Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement?

An intellectual property assignment agreement should be used whenever transferring the rights in intellectual property ( IP ). There are a number of situations where you may need to do this. The most common for SMEs is where an individual has done work for a company as a consultant without using a consultancy agreement with the result that the consultant and not the company, owns the IP in the work. It is also necessary to transfer IP where founders create IP before incorporating or being employed by a company and, as a result, title to the IP vests in the founder.  

Why is an Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement important and why should you use it?

Investors in early stage companies will often require the company and key employees to give warranties confirming that the company owns all material IP used by the company. Any IP not owned by the company will need to be transferred to the company before the investment is completed. Failing to transfer the IP can materially impact the valuation of the company or, in extreme cases, lead investors to pull out of the transaction.

It is necessary to use a written agreement for an assignment of certain types of IP (such as copyright) to be effective. Further, it is important to ensure that the agreement is an enforceable contract. For the contract to be enforceable there must be some form of consideration paid in exchange for the IP. The amount of consideration payable will depend on the situation in which the IP is being transferred. If a consultant or founder is transferring IP that should have been owned by the company, the consideration should be a nominal amount, e.g. £1, which is deemed to have been received by the assignor (note that some form of consideration is required for the agreement to be an enforceable contract). The IP can, however, be transferred for valuable consideration or as part of an asset sale.

An IP assignment will also include warranties to confirm that the assignor is the owner of the intellectual property being transferred and that the assignor has the right to transfer the intellectual property. Transferring intellectual property without these assurances means that your company will have limited or no recourse should it transpire that the assignor did not own or have the right to transfer the intellectual property.

What are the common pitfalls of an Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement?

Where possible, it is important to clearly describe the IP being transferred. IP by its nature is not physical so failing to accurately describe the IP can result in disputes about what has been transferred. 

Further, there are several different types of IP (copyright, patents, trade marks and designs). Certain IP rights can also be registered. Depending on what is being transferred it may be necessary to take additional steps to perfect the transfer (for example notifying the appropriate register of the transfer). The agreement should include a requirement that the assignor takes the necessary steps to perfect the transfer and specify which party is required to pay any associated costs (such as registration fees).

In addition where copyright is being transferred, the assignor should also ensure that the assignor waives their moral rights (such as the right to attribution) in respect of the copyrighted work.

Disclaimer: Please note: Pocketlaw is not a substitute for an attorney or law firm. So, should you have any legal questions on the content of this page, please get in touch with a qualified legal professional.

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Intellectual Property Assignment Agreements & Licenses

Intellectual property (IP) can be just as valuable as—or even more valuable than—tangible property. Many companies make money exclusively through marketing products based on intellectual property rights. That’s why it is so important to protect your intellectual property through patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other legal devices that keep your intellectual property safe.

However, once you have secured your intellectual property rights, it is sometimes more convenient or valuable to let someone else use them in exchange for a fee, which is why intellectual property agreements and intellectual property contracts exist. These documents are complex agreements that determine the manner in which third parties can use your intellectual property. Intellectual property agreements and intellectual property contracts require careful negotiation, and owners of intellectual property should conduct these negotiations with the support of an experienced intellectual property lawyer. Through Priori, you can connect with a vetted a lawyer who can help you draft and negotiate an intellectual property agreement or an intellectual property contract.

Understanding Intellectual Property Agreements & Intellectual Property Contracts

Because you have the right to confer your intellectual property rights to other parties, intellectual property agreements can take one of two basic form: assignment agreements and IP license agreements.

About Assignment Agreements

Under an intellectual property assignment agreement, you permanently transfer some or all IP rights to the assignee in exchange for a specified sum. Essentially, you sell the rights to a third party the same way that you could sell physical property for a permanent transfer. Generally, you relinquish all control, involvement, and claim on the intellectual property rights transferred.

About Intellectual Property Licensing

Under an intellectual property licensing agreement (also known as an intellectual property license or an intellectual property license agreement), you retain ownership of your patent, copyright, or trademark, but you give another party permission to use some or all of your intellectual property rights for a specific amount of time for a fee or royalty. These intellectual property contracts typically specify termination dates and procedures.

There are several types of intellectual property licenses embodied in a typical intellectual property agreement. The following three are the most common:

• Exclusive License.  You agree not to grant any other licenses of the invention and rights concerned, as well as not to use the technology yourself.
• Sole License . You agree not to grant any other licenses of the invention and rights concerned, but you can use such rights yourself.
• Non-Exclusive License . You agree to give the licensee certain rights, but you also reserve the right to grant licenses of the invention and rights concerned to third parties or to use them yourself.

You can also combine elements of these three types of intellectual property agreements, such as by giving an intellectual property license for exclusive rights in certain geographic areas. You can review a sample patent license agreement in Priori's Document and Form Learning Center . You can also learn more about software licenses here . 

Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement vs. Intellectual Property License

Which is better, an intellectual property assignment agreement or an intellectual property license? The reality is that there are pros and cons to each choice, depending on your needs and interests. Most of the time, IP holders want to maintain control of their IP, and they choose intellectual property licensing. This is advantageous because you can determine the manner in which your IP is used and change partners if a partnership isn’t advantageous. Also, intellectual property licensing allows you to produce a steady income from your IP over a particular time period and possibly confer the same rights to multiple users.

Intellectual property assignment agreements can also have its advantages, however. If you assign intellectual property to a third party, you no longer have any responsibility towards the product. That means you cannot generally be sued for problems relating to your IP and you are not responsible for any maintenance fees. Intellectual property assignment is generally more appropriate when you are selling your business or leaving a field entirely.

Priori Pricing

Depending on the complexity of your needs, the cost of drafting intellectual property licensing or intellectual property assignment agreements may vary. Priori attorneys typically create flat-rate packages ranging from $400 to $1,500 for relatively straightforward intellectual property agreements. In order to get a better sense of cost for your particular situation, put in a request to schedule a complimentary consultation and receive a free price quote from one of our lawyers.

How does an exclusive license differ from an assignment?

While both exclusive intellectual property licenses and intellectual property assignment agreements give exclusive exercise of that right to another person in exchange for monetary compensation, an exclusive license is much more limited than an assignment. If you assign an IP right to another person, you permanently transfer that right and would have to repurchase it in order to use it again.

An IP license is generally subject to a certain term and possible renewal. For that reason, you generally get more money upfront with an assignment. In addition, unless otherwise stated in the contract, an exclusive license cannot generally be handed off to a third party without your permission, but if you assign that right to someone else, they can then license or sell it as they see fit.

What is an implied license?

In certain circumstances, an implied IP license arises without the existence of a formal licensing agreement if the conduct of the parties indicates that the IP right holder intended to license certain rights to the other party. Often, courts grant implied licenses in cases where one party created a copyrighted work at the request of another under a contract that did not explicitly confer the copyright to the purchaser after payment and completion of the work.

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Contracts and IP ownership

For most companies — especially small businesses, startups, and partnerships — intellectual property (IP) is either the crown jewel of the business or a key asset. For in-house counsel, this means that extra care is needed when preparing any contract that touches on IP ownership. While it seems scary, the basic concepts of IP ownership are relatively straightforward and there is much in-house counsel can do without always resorting to the use of outside counsel — if that’s even an option.

There are, however, certainly times when experienced IP counsel is helpful and necessary. With Practical Law, however, you can learn the basics of IP and IP ownership and have access to a huge library of contract templates, clauses, checklists, practice notes, drafting notes, and toolkits. And, all for far less than the cost of outsourcing all of your intellectual property contracts issues to outside counsel.

What is intellectual property and IP ownership?

There are four types of IP that in-house counsel are concerned about when drafting or reviewing agreements:

• Trade secrets

When preparing or reviewing a contract involving IP ownership, the parties are generally trying to set out the key issues — namely, “who owns what” (ownership) and “how can the IP be used” (license). More about these concepts is laid out below, but without a contract in place stating otherwise, here are the general rules for IP ownership.

Copyrights, or original works of art, are owned by the author who created the work; if multiple authors are involved, they are joint owners with an indivisible interest in the work. Patents — also known as inventions — are owned by the inventor. Trademarks are the marks used in commerce and are owned by the person or business using them to identify their goods or services. Trade secrets, also known as confidential information, are owned by the creator — mostly businesses through their employees. With trade secrets, care must be taken to keep them confidential or they lose their status as trade secrets.

IP contracts establish ownership

Of course, it’s pretty rare that a lawyer will rely on things just working themselves out based on the common law. Instead  and rightfully so, they want to lay out IP ownership in a written agreement that spells out the rights and obligations of each party. This is where the hundreds of IP contract templates in Practical Law can really cut your time, effort, and cost way down. To start, you need to get familiar with the three types of intellectual property agreements: the creation of IP, the licensing of IP, and the purchase/assignment of IP.

How to create intellectual property

You can create intellectual property in a number of ways. For the purposes of most businesses, IP is created by its employees or by third parties, such as contractors hired to create IP based on specifications and direction provided by the business. While businesses own IP created by their employees — if it is part of their job to create such IP — it is not wise to leave ownership to chance.

The typical solution is an invention assignment agreement signed by the employee when they first join the company. Such an agreement covers a range of IP ownership issues, from confidentiality of company trade secrets to the assignment of any intellectual property created on the job or using company resources to the company. These agreements also require employees to disclose any inventions they claim to have invented prior to joining the company so there is no dispute down the road.

When it comes to contractors, their agreements usually contain a “work-for-hire” provision which states that any work product they turn out for the company under the contract belongs to the company. The only exceptions involve IP the contractor brings to the relationship. It continues to belong to the contractor but, if necessary, the contractor provides a license for the company to use that IP to make the work product function properly. These agreements also contain confidentiality and non-disclosure provisions to ensure that neither party reveals the confidential information of the other party.

See the Practical Law practice note  Intellectual Property – Employees and Independent Contractors

Lastly, companies sometimes partner and enter into a joint development agreement to create IP that neither party could easily create on their own. Each party contributes something to the development and then the ownership and use rights are spelled out in the terms of the agreement.

How to license the IP

IP ownership also comes up in the context of licensing the IP. Many companies’ entire business comprises licensing software or other IP they have developed. To do this successfully, they must enter into software/IP licensing agreements with customers. These agreements set out, among other things:

• Ownership of the IP and any modifications or derivatives
• Who may use the licensed IP, in what manner, and is there exclusivity?
• The ability to sublicense
• Where the IP may be used
• The period of time the licensee may use the IP
• Warranties about the software
• Indemnities, primarily from the licensor against IP infringement
• Obligations not to reverse engineer the software or allow unauthorized access
• Permitted uses and prohibited uses of the IP
• How the agreement ends and what happens to the licensee’s ability to use the IP after termination

While software agreements are the obvious IP licensing contracts, intellectual property licensing arises in franchise agreements; entertainment such as movies, music, and art; NFT; and many other contexts. That is, any type of IP is subject to a licensing agreement.

How to purchase or assign intellectual property

Lastly, IP ownership can be purchased or assigned — that is, the inventor or owner of the IP can transfer it to a new owner. Note that the assignment of IP is different than licensing IP. Under an assignment, ownership and all rights are transferred. With a license , there is no transfer of ownership and only limited rights to use the IP are given.

Some common situations involving buying IP include mergers and acquisitions of the company that owns the IP or just a straightforward purchase of the IP asset alone. For example, owners can sell copyrights and trademarks, including web addresses — many so-called patent trolls buy patents out of the bankruptcy estate of a failed business. Here are three things to keep in mind when buying IP:

•   Define the IP properly. What, exactly, are you buying or selling? Words will matter here.
• Representations and warranties. Drafting properly is important, especially representations around ownership of the IP being sold, warranties around non-infringement, and an indemnity if something goes wrong.
• Residual use. Does the seller have any rights to continue to use the IP? If so, what is the scope? What is the price?

Assignment of IP typically takes place when a party is contributing their IP to a joint venture or partnership , or when the founder of a technology business transfers their invention to the new business, which is generally a requirement to attract new investors. Intellectual property may be transferred to satisfy debts or a judgment, or when a subsidiary or division is “spun out” of a parent company and provided with certain IP assets to start their separate business. When assigning IP, consider these three key points in addition to those above:

• Broad assignment rights. Define what is being assigned and ensure you are getting what you think you are getting.
• Power of attorney. Generally, there will be an obligation on the part of the assignor to cooperate in taking any steps necessary to perfect the assigned rights. A power of attorney gives the assignee the ability to perfect those rights even without the assignor’s assistance.
• Dissolution . If the company folds or the joint venture fails, what happens to the IP that was contributed? You need to think this through at the beginning as it is too late to think about it when the problem hits.

Given the importance of IP to businesses — especially small business and partnerships — in-house counsel should be well versed in the contracts that govern its ownership, assignment, and licensing. It may seem daunting at first, but it is a skill you can hone relatively quickly, especially with a resource like Practical Law to back you up.

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Federal Circuit Reversal in Assignment Clause Case Highlights Importance of Contract Language in Intellectual Property Ownership

Contributors

Jeffrey S. Whittle

Karthika Perumal, Ph.D.

Samuel A. Savanich

By Jeffrey Whittle, CLP ; Karthika Perumal, Ph.D., CLP ; & Sam Savanich, CLP-A

In a split opinion issued Tuesday , and based on language in an assignment clause of a contract, the Federal Circuit overturned a district court's summary judgment that Core Optical lacked standing to sue Nokia, Cisco, and ADVA for infringement.

The case, involving a fiber optic patent, centers on the interpretation of the phrase "entirely on my own time" within an assignment clause of the inventor's contractual agreement with his former employer, TRW Inc.

Nokia, Cisco, and ADVA contended that Dr. Mark Core's assignment of his patent rights to Core Optical was invalid because these rights allegedly had been automatically assigned to Dr. Core's employer, TRW, at the time of the invention. The inventor's contract with TRW stipulated that any inventions developed during work hours were to be assigned to the company, while inventions developed entirely on his “own time” remained Dr. Core’s property.

Initially, the lower court granted Nokia and the defendants summary judgment, ruling that the invention was developed as part of the Dr. Core’s research, funded by TRW, and was at least in part “TRW time” and not “entirely” Dr. Core’s “own time.” Therefore, this court concluded that the patent was automatically assigned to TRW, and Core Optical, Dr. Core’s company, lacked standing to sue.

The Federal Circuit majority, however, decided on appeal that it was not clear if the Ph.D. research conducted by Dr. Core constituted the inventor's own time. On one hand, Dr. Core was free to use particular hours or days for his research with no accountability to TRW; and, on the other hand, he worked on projects connected to TRW’s business on TRW-funded fellowship, with reporting obligations to TRW. Therefore, the Federal Circuit vacated the judgment and remanded the case back to the district court for further proceedings, thereby allowing Dr. Core to proceed with his patent infringement lawsuit.

The majority opinion noted, “[b]oth Core Optical’s and Nokia's interpretations of how the years-long, TRW-funded research should be treated under the 1990 invention agreement are plausible based on the undisputed facts presented. However, which interpretation prevails has not been determined, acknowledging that the contract language does not have an unambiguous meaning when applied to these facts.”

In dissent, U.S. Circuit Court Judge Haldane Robert Mayer argued that the lower court was correct in ruling that the inventor did not develop the fiber optic patent on his own time.

This majority decision underscores the complexities and nuances surrounding intellectual property rights and the importance of clear contractual terms regarding intellectual property issues, especially for intellectual property developed by an individual during non-traditional employment, such as employees permitted to pursue research or consulting projects. Care should be taken when drafting assignment and other intellectual property related language to reduce risk of a finding of ambiguity as in this instance.

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WIPO Member States Adopt Historic New Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge

Geneva, May 24, 2024 PR/2024/919

WIPO member states today approved a groundbreaking new Treaty related to intellectual property (IP), genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, marking a historic breakthrough that capped decades of negotiations.

This is the first WIPO Treaty to address the interface between intellectual property , genetic resources and traditional knowledge and the first WIPO Treaty to include provisions specifically for Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities.

The Treaty, once it enters into force with 15 contracting parties, will establish in international law a new disclosure requirement for patent applicants whose inventions are based on genetic resources and/or associated traditional knowledge. A signing ceremony is scheduled for later today.

Negotiations for this Treaty began at WIPO in 2001, initiated in 1999 with a proposal by Colombia, where discussions were notable for their inclusion of Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities. 

WIPO Director General Daren Tang welcomed adoption of the Treaty and congratulated negotiators on the successful outcome of the Diplomatic Conference, noting: “Today we made history in many ways. This is not just the first new WIPO Treaty in over a decade but also the first one that deals with genetic resources and traditional knowledge held by Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities. Through this, we are showing that the IP system can continue to incentivize innovation while evolving in a more inclusive way, responding to the needs of all countries and their communities.”

Mr. Tang added “This agreement by consensus is not just the culmination of a 25 year negotiating journey, but also a strong signal that multilateralism is alive and well at WIPO. I thank all of the negotiators, past and present, who worked tirelessly these last two weeks as well as in the past few decades to make history today.”

Ambassador Patriota called the new Treaty “a very carefully balanced outcome of this Diplomatic Conference. It constitutes the best possible compromise and a carefully calibrated solution, which seeks to bridge and to balance a variety of interests, some very passionately held and assiduously expressed and defended over the course of decades.”

“We’ve been waiting for this moment for 25 years,” said Ambassador Patriota.

What Does the Treaty Do?

Broadly, where a claimed invention in a patent application is based on genetic resources, each contracting party shall require applicants to disclose the country of origin or source of the genetic resources. Where the claimed invention in a patent application is based on traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, each contracting party shall require applicants to disclose the Indigenous Peoples or local community, as applicable, who provided the traditional knowledge.

What are Genetic Resources and associated Traditional Knowledge?

Genetic resources are contained in, for example, medicinal plants, agricultural crops, and animal breeds. While genetic resources themselves cannot be directly protected as intellectual property, inventions developed using them can, most often through a patent.

Some genetic resources are also associated with traditional knowledge through their use and conservation by Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities, often over generations. This knowledge is sometimes used in scientific research and, as such, may contribute to the development of a protected invention.

What is a Diplomatic Conference?

A WIPO diplomatic conference is typically convoked by a decision of the  WIPO General Assembly , which defines the objective of the conference and the general conditions for participation. Diplomatic conferences are governed by their own rules of procedure and customary international law. Accordingly, it is the conference itself that adopts the treaty and a final act.

The diplomatic conference in Geneva was divided into two committees: Main Committee I and Main Committee II.

The first committee’s mandate was to negotiate and agree on all substantive intellectual property provisions and recommend them for adoption by the plenary. The second committee was charged with negotiating and agreeing on all administrative provisions and final clauses, such as who can join the Treaty and the conditions for its entry into force.

Main Committee I was chaired by Ms. Jodie McAlister, General Manager, Policy and Stakeholder Group, IP Australia and Main Committee II was chaired by Ms. Vivienne Katjiuongua, Chief Executive Officer, Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) of Namibia. Three other committees were also formed: the Credentials Committee, which verified credentials of delegations to participate in the conference and to sign the Treaty; the Drafting Committee, to ensure that the six language versions of the Treaty would be properly aligned; and the Steering Committee, which included the chief officers of all the committees and ensured the process remained on track.

When all committees finalized their work, the treaty was sent to the conference plenary for adoption and then opened for signature. Signing the treaty at the end of a diplomatic conference does not commit a country to being bound by its provisions. It is, however, a strong indication of intent by the signatory. The Final Act – a record that the conference took place – is also open for signature after adoption.

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The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the United Nations agency that serves the world’s innovators and creators, ensuring that their ideas travel safely to the market and improve lives everywhere.

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