IP transactions

Purchase and sale of IP rights, transfers in the context of M&A, licensing, contributions to joint ventures.

IP stands for intellectual property, namely patents, trade marks, designs, copyrights and know-how. IP transactions take place, for example, when individual IP rights are bought or sold, in M&A transactions, in licensing and when IP is contributed to joint ventures. Depending on the structure, IP rights are transferred, rights of use are granted or know-how is made available for use. IP transactions play an important role in company valuations, technology transfers and innovation projects.

We review the scope of protection, term, territorial reach and existing encumbrances, for instance through licences. We then draft the contractual provisions on use, remuneration, liability and warranty, including possible representations that the rights are free from third-party rights. This also includes contracts with freelancers and developers, in particular on the grant of rights of use in work results. We also advise on employee inventions, from the invention disclosure and the claiming of the invention to the allocation of rights and remuneration under the Employee Inventions Act (ArbnErfG).

What we do for you

• Review of the scope of protection, term, territorial reach and existing encumbrances, for instance through licences
• Drafting and negotiation of purchase, transfer and licence agreements for trade marks, patents, designs, copyrights and know-how
• Support with IP transfers and contributions in M&A transactions, joint ventures and technology and innovation projects
• Drafting of liability and warranty provisions, in particular regarding third-party rights
• Drafting of freelancer and development agreements, in particular regarding rights of use in work results, remuneration and confidentiality

Advice on employee inventions, from the invention disclosure and the claiming of the invention to the allocation of rights and remuneration under the Employee Inventions Act (ArbnErfG)