International Technology Licenses

An international technology license involves the owner of a patent, trade secret, trademark or copyright (i.e., “intellectual property” or “IP”) granting another person or entity permission to use their IP. A license to use IP related to technology can include hardware, software and data, and other forms of technology. All technology licenses must be carefully crafted to protect the IP owner’s interests, but International technology licenses involve special considerations due to the impact of foreign country IP laws, among other considerations.

Specialized skills are needed to negotiate a transaction involving the licensing of technology or other IP internationally. Strong expertise in both intellectual property and commercial law is required, as well as business acumen, knowledge of industry best practices, and experience in international business transactions. Because international technology license transactions involve additional risks, companies should work closely with experienced international technology transactions lawyers to protect their interests.

Of course, prior to entering into an international technology license agreement, it is critical that IP owners first secure their IP rights through registration in the U.S and in key international markets. Our international IP attorneys assist clients in obtaining US and foreign IP registrations.

Once IP is secured through registration, our international technology licensing attorneys help clients commercially preserve, exploit, and defend their intellectual property assets internationally. We assist clients in developing intellectual property and commercial strategies that protect intellectual property assets, build strong relationships, and meet their business and technology objectives.

Types of International Technology Licenses

There are a number of types of International technology license transactions, but the most common include international trademark licenses, international patent licenses, and international software licenses. International trademark licenses grant licensees the right to use your names, brands, logos and other trademarks and service marks. International patent licenses permit foreign companies to manufacture and sell products that incorporate your patented inventions, methods and designs. International software licenses grant users access to software products, and typically include privacy policies as well as details regarding the ownership of data and reports related to the use of the software.

International License Agreements

Regardless of the type of international technology license transaction involved, an international license agreement is a critical to protect the rights of the contracting parties and clearly establish each party’s rights and obligations. Although every international license agreement is unique, our attorneys have been involved in hundreds of international license agreements and can leverage our experience to help ensure our clients don’t experience any unpleasant surprises.

Our International Technology License Experience

We offer an efficient, practical, and results-oriented approach to international technology license transactions, including:

Clear and concise written international license agreements
Useful and comprehensive legal advice
Strategic counseling in risk assessment, development of business and licensing models, and protection of intellectual property and technology assets
Effective and cogent negotiating, with an understanding of industry practices, common pitfalls, and creative solutions