Structuring Patent Licensing Agreements: Avoiding Litigation, Allocating Risk, and Maximizing Patent Value

This CLE course will prepare IP counsel to craft patent licenses by reviewing key clauses and licensing in joint development projects. The panel will outline best practices for structuring the agreement to avoid litigation, allocate risk, and maximize patent value.

Companies are turning to their patent portfolios to increase their value through monetization or other strategic initiatives. A successful licensing program can significantly raise a company's valuation, but the licensing and enforcement environment has become more challenging. Companies use licenses with direct competitors and companies in related industries to generate additional revenue and to take full advantage of the value of their patents.

Licensing agreements should include provisions such as payment structure, sublicensing rights, indemnification, and limitations on liability to avoid litigation. By understanding the essential elements--and the common pitfalls--in patent licensing agreements, counsel for patent owners and licensees can prepare to effectively structure and negotiate contracts in their clients' best interests.

Listen as our authoritative panel of patent attorneys examines patent licensing agreements, including standard clauses and variations to those clauses, sublicensing rights, and licensing in joint development projects. The panel will offer best practices for structuring the agreement to avoid litigation, allocate risk, and maximize patent value.