inventions!!

[nicpic]

Could somebody explain to me what 'licensing rights' are?
I have been asked to 'secure the licensing rights to the new product in the US, UK and European markets, and i need to 'settle the territorys the licence will cover'?
I dont understand?!!!

[heathfield]

If you don't understand what it's about, I'd have to advise that you're not the right person for the task you've been set.

Basically it's asking someone (or a company) to let you make and sell something they've patented or copyrighted in return for a payment to them. If the other party agrees, you could make whatever it is 'under licence' and sell it.

You didn't mention Australia. If you hadn't agreed to include that country in 'territories covered by the licence', you wouldn't be allowed to sell the product there.

This is quite a complex legal subject where a professional should be consulted.

[nicpic]

Ok firstly, thanks for the reply but i never said this was my job like you obviously assumed, this is for a coursework assignment on Negotiation!
We have not learnt anything about Patents, Licensing Laws etc but we have to negotiate a deal with an inventor.

Does anybody know if it would be in the licensor's interests to licence the product in as many countries as possible?

[brachiopod]

I was also under the impression that this was your job, rather than your homework / "what I did in the Summer holidays" project.

Perhaps if you'd stated that it was for coursework from the outset, your replies may have been more constructive.

Since you are now on "licensing rights" then I am sure you will have covered copyright. And perhaps before that, mis-selling and mis-description.

A bit of DYOR on 'patent', 'copyright' and 'regions' will earn you Brownie Points - and surely, the lectures you receive merely pave the way for a bit of self-initiated learning anyway?

Whether it may be in a Licensor's interest to License in as many territories as possible will depend on many factors.
What Territory Rights does the Licensor have from the Rights Owner?
Is there a Brand / product value from 'exclusivity'?
Are marketing / sales patterns and volumes different between territories?

[kats3711]

Just to clear some things up, i am currently on the same degree course as 'nicpic' and know of the negotiation assessment.

As silly as it seems we have not been told anything of the issues raised. We are studying law and this assessment is to cover lawyers skills. It is not the content we are being marked on, but the way in which we co-operate with the 'other side' and reach a win-win situation.

'Nicpic' was therefore enquiring about the licensing rights as an aid to this settlement. The scenario is complicated so she was obviously trying to clear afew things up. Not engage in a pointless battle. Thank you for the help. It is still a slightly confusing area but getting there slowly.