Using somebody else's intellectual property
Patents
Contact the owner of the patent to see if they鈥檒l:
- license it to you
- sell it to you
Search the patent databases to find the current owner.
Licensing
Any licence arrangement, including cost, is made directly between you and the patent owner.
You can ask Intellectual Property Office (IPO) for help to resolve patent disputes if you can鈥檛 reach an agreement.
IPO can鈥檛 decide the exact terms of the licence (for example the price) but can decide:
- what can and can鈥檛 be part of a licence
- if the patent owner must grant you a licence (known as a 鈥榗ompulsory licence under a patent鈥�)
Licence of right
A patent with 鈥榣icence of right鈥�, means that the patent owners will give anyone a licence to use it.
You must still agree with the owner on the terms of the licence before you can use the patent.
You can ask IPO for help if you can鈥檛 reach agreement.
Registering your licence
Register a licence agreement (or changes to an existing licence, for example cancellation) by filling in Patents form 21. Send it to the address on the form.
You can use the form to record licences on more than one patent. It costs 拢50 for each form you submit.
Buying a patent
When someone sells you a patent they must transfer ownership to you.
You need a written document to record the transfer. This is known as an 鈥榓ssignment鈥� and must be signed by the person selling the patent.
A solicitor can help you draw up this document.
Fill in Patents form 21 and return it to the address on the form. Include a copy of your assignment.
You can use the form to record licences on more than one patent. It costs 拢50 for each form you submit.