Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement Template

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An Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement transfers ownership of any IP created by an employee to the employer. Make sure you have your employees sign this document prior to their start.

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Intellectual Property Agreement Template

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Prepared by:

​ [Sender.FirstName] [Sender.LastName] [Sender.Company] ​

Prepared for:

​ [Employee.FirstName] [Employee.LastName] ​

​ [Employee.Company] ​

This Intellectual property agreement is entered into on (date) and will be effective from the same date, between [Sender.FirstName] [Sender.LastName] and [Employee.FirstName] [Employee.LastName] (Receiver).

­­As a condition of my employment with the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns (hereinafter, the “Company”), and in consideration of my employment with the Company and my receipt of the compensation now and hereafter paid to me by the Company, I agree to the following:

This Property Assignment Agreement will have the effect of transferring ownership in anything created by the employee during the period of his/her employment with the company. Intellectual Property Assignment Agreements are also entered into between business entities and even individuals, where one party is looking to sell the rights to its intellectual property in exchange for something of value — usually money.

​In an employer/employee Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement (which is what this agreement is), the employee may want to limit the intellectual property that would otherwise transfer to the employer. For example, the employee may not want to transfer anything conceived or created by him/her on his/her own time, especially if it does not relate to the employer’s business.

1. INVENTIONS RETAINED & LICENSED.

I have attached hereto, as Exhibit A, a list describing all inventions, original works of authorship, developments, improvements, and trade secrets which were made by me prior to my employment with the Company (collectively referred to as “Prior Inventions”), which belong to me, which relate to the Company’s proposed business, products or research and development, and which are not assigned to the Company hereunder; or, if no such list is attached, I represent that there are no such Prior Inventions.

If in the course of my employment with the Company, I incorporate into a Company product, process or machine a Prior Invention owned by me or in which I have an interest, the Company is hereby granted and shall have a nonexclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license to make, have made, modify, use and sell such Prior Invention as part of or in connection with such product, process or machine.

At the time of joining the company, I was the owner of or held proprietary rights in relation to the intellectual property identified herein and related to the company’s business of (description of business), which Intellectual Property was developed in contemplation of being used, either directly or indirectly, by the Company in connection with carrying on the business of the Company.

2. ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTIONS.

I agree that I will promptly make full written disclosure to the Company, will hold in trust for the sole right and benefit of the Company, and hereby assign to the Company, or its designee, all my rights, title, and interest in and to any and all inventions, original works of authorship, developments, concepts, improvements, designs, discoveries, ideas, trademarks or trade secrets, whether or not patentable or registrable under copyright or similar laws, which I may solely or jointly conceive or develop or reduce to practice, or cause to be conceived or developed or reduced to practice, during the period of time I am in the employ of the Company (collectively referred to as “Inventions”), except as provided in “Exception to Assignments” below.

I further acknowledge that all original works of authorship which are made by me (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of and during the period of my employment with the Company and which are protectable by copyright are “works made for hire,” as that term is defined in the United States Copyright Act.

I understand and agree that the decision whether or not to commercialize or market any invention developed by me solely or jointly with others is within the Company's sole discretion and for the Company’s sole benefit and that no royalty will be due to me as a result of the Company’s efforts to commercialize or market any such invention.

3. REMAINDER OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

I hereby declare that I have assets, rights or interests that go beyond the scope of this agreement, and are not included as a part of this agreement, either in sum or whole. The benefit of such assets may not be used by [Employee.Company] , unless with my expressly stated written permission.

4. MAINTENANCE OF INVENTIONS RECORDS.

I agree to keep and maintain adequate and current written records of all Inventions made by me (solely or jointly with others) during the term of my employment with the Company. The records will be in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, and any other format that may be specified by the Company.

The records will be available to and remain the sole property of the Company at all times.

5. COSTS AND EXPENSES.

If either party incurs any costs, fees, expenses, etc., both parties will be liable to pay for costs and expenses, in full, unless if otherwise mentioned explicitly in this Agreement, any of the other Ancillary Agreements or any other agreement between parties. If any cost was borne by any person on the instance of completing a task for another person, the person who completed the task shall be reimbursed for the amount spent, as long as they can provide receipts.

6. PATENT & COPYRIGHT REGISTRATIONS.

I agree to assist the Company, or its designee, at the Company’s expense, in every proper way to secure the Company’s rights in the Inventions and any copyrights, patents, mask work rights or other intellectual property rights relating thereto, in any and all countries, including the disclosure to the Company of all pertinent information and data with respect thereto, the execution of all applications, specifications, oaths, assignments and all other instruments which the Company shall deem necessary in order to apply for and obtain such rights and in order to assign and convey to the Company, its successors, assigns, and nominees the sole and exclusive rights, title and interest in and to such Inventions, and any copyrights, patents, mask work rights or other intellectual property rights relating thereto.

I further agree that my obligation to execute or cause to be executed, when it is in my power to do so, any such instrument or papers shall continue after the termination of this Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement.

If the Company is unable because of my mental or physical incapacity or for any other reason to secure my signature to apply for or to pursue any application for any United States or foreign patents or copyright registrations covering Inventions or original works of authorship assigned to the Company as above, then I hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as my agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in my behalf and stead to execute and file any such applications and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution and issuance of letters patent or copyright registrations thereon with the same legal force and effect as if executed by me.

7. COOPERATION.

I agree to perform all commercially reasonable acts deemed necessary or desirable by the Company to assist the Company, at the Company’s expense, in obtaining and enforcing the full benefits, enjoyment, rights and titles that come as a part of the Assigned IP. Such acts may include, but are not limited to, execution of documents and assistance or cooperation (i) in the filing, prosecution, registration, and memorialization of assignment of any applicable patents, copyrights, trademark, mask work, or other applications for my invention, (ii) in the enforcement of any applicable patents, copyrights, trademark, mask work, moral rights, trade secrets, or other proprietary rights, and (iii) in other legal proceedings related to the Assigned IP.

In the event that the Company is unable, for any reason, to secure my signature(s) to any document required to file, prosecute, register, or memorialize the assignment of any patent, copyright, trademark, mask work or other applications or to enforce any patent, copyright, mask work, moral right, trade secret or other proprietary right under any Assigned IP, I hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company and the Company’s duly authorized officers and agents as my agents and attorneys-in-fact to act for and on my behalf and instead of me, (i) to execute, file, prosecute, register and memorialize the assignment of any such application, (ii) to execute and file any documentation required for such enforcement, and (iii) to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the filing, prosecution, registration, memorialization of assignment, issuance, and enforcement of patents, copyrights, mask works, moral rights, trade secrets or other rights under the Assigned IP, all with the same legal force and effect as if executed by me.

8. RETURNING COMPANY DOCUMENTS.

I agree that, at the time of leaving the employ of the Company, I will deliver to the Company (and will not keep in my possession, recreate or deliver to anyone else) any and all devices, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, equipment, other documents or property, or reproductions of any aforementioned items developed by me pursuant to my employment with the Company or otherwise belonging to the Company, its successors or assigns.

9. REPRESENTATIONS.

I agree to execute any proper oath or verify any proper document required to carry out the terms of this Agreement. I represent that my performance of all the terms of this Agreement will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence proprietary information acquired by me in confidence or in trust prior to my employment by the Company. I have not entered into, and I agree I will not enter into, any oral or written agreement in conflict herewith.

10. EQUITABLE REMEDIES.

I AGREE THAT IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE OR INADEQUATE TO MEASURE AND CALCULATE THE COMPANY’S DAMAGES FROM ANY BREACH OF THE COVENANTS SET FORTH HEREIN.

ACCORDINGLY, I AGREE THAT IF I BREACH ANY OF SUCH PROVISIONS, THE COMPANY WILL HAVE AVAILABLE, IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER RIGHT OR REMEDY AVAILABLE, THE RIGHT TO OBTAIN AN INJUNCTION FROM A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION RESTRAINING SUCH BREACH OR THREATENED BREACH AND TO SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE OF ANY SUCH PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT.

I FURTHER AGREE THAT NO BOND OR OTHER SECURITY SHALL BE REQUIRED IN OBTAINING SUCH EQUITABLE RELIEF AND I HEREBY CONSENT TO THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH INJUNCTION AND TO THE ORDERING OF SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.

11. GOVERNING LAW.

This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of [Employee.State] . I hereby expressly consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts with jurisdiction in [Employee.Country] [Employee.State] for any lawsuit filed there against me by the Company arising from or relating to this Agreement.

12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

This Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and me relating to the subject matter herein and merges all prior discussions between us.

No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this agreement, will be effective unless in writing signed by the party to be charged.

Any subsequent change or changes in my duties, salary or compensation will not affect the validity or scope of this Agreement.

13. SEVERABILITY.

If one or more of the provisions in this Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement are deemed void by law, then the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

14. SUCCESSORS & ASSIGNS.

This Agreement will be binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives and will be for the benefit of the Company, its successors, and its assigns.

15. DISPUTES AND RESOLUTIONS.

Both parties agree that they will try to amicably settle any disputes amongst themselves, or with the help of a third party such as an agent. In case that they are unable to reach a settlement or do not wish to discuss the terms of the settlement with one another, they may approach a court of law situated in [Sender.Country] , [Sender.State] where applicable laws will come into motion.

AGREED AND ACCEPTED.

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE FOREGOING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT, I AM SATISFIED THAT I UNDERSTAND IT COMPLETELY, AND I AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

​ [Sender.Company]

​ [Sender.FirstName] [Sender.LastName] ​

LIST OF PRIOR INVENTIONS AND ORIGINAL WORKS OF AUTHORSHIP­­­­­­

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Intellectual property assignment agreement template

Create and automate intellectual property assignment agreements more efficiently with this free template.

intellectual property assignment agreement template

Securing intellectual property rights is crucial for innovators and businesses. Use this free intellectual property assignment agreement template to safeguard your innovations.

Intellectual property (IP) is a valuable asset for businesses, and ensuring its proper transfer and assignment is vital for both the assignor and the assignee.

So, what is an intellectual property assignment agreement? Why is it important, when should you use one, what should it encompass, and how can you manage them efficiently? Let's dive in.

What is an intellectual property assignment agreement?

An intellectual property assignment agreement is a legal document that facilitates the transfer of IP rights from one party (the assignor) to another (the assignee). This could relate to various forms of IP, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. 

The agreement delineates the terms and conditions under which the IP rights are transferred, ensuring clarity and protection for both parties involved.

intellectual property assignment agreement template

How does an intellectual property assignment agreement work?

Once both parties sign the intellectual property assignment agreement, it becomes legally binding. This means that the assignor relinquishes their rights to the specified IP, and the assignee becomes the new owner. 

The agreement should clearly define the IP being transferred, any compensation involved, and the responsibilities of both parties post-transfer.

When do you need an Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement?

Such agreements are essential when:

  • A business acquires another company and its assets, including IP.
  • An employee or contractor develops an invention or work while under employment and transfers the rights to the employer.
  • A business wants to secure rights to a specific IP before commercializing or licensing it.

What should an intellectual property assignment agreement template include?

Identification of parties. Clearly state the assignor and assignee, including their legal names and primary business locations.

Description of the IP. Detail the intellectual property being transferred, ensuring clarity on its scope and nature.

Compensation. Specify any payment or consideration for the IP transfer.

Warranties and representations: The assignor should confirm they own the IP and have the right to transfer it.

Confidentiality. If the IP contains confidential information, this section ensures both parties maintain secrecy.

Liability limitations. Define any limitations on liabilities for both parties.

Termination. Conditions under which the agreement can be terminated should be outlined.

Dispute resolution. Detail the mechanisms for resolving potential disagreements, such as arbitration or litigation.

Governing law. Specify the jurisdiction governing the agreement.

Miscellaneous provisions. Any other terms and conditions pertinent to the agreement.

intellectual property assignment agreement template

Traditional intellectual property assignment agreement management process

Managing intellectual property assignment agreements can be cumbersome, especially when relying on traditional methods. Typically, teams:

  • Draft the contract in Microsoft Word or Google Docs
  • Send the contract for internal review via communication platforms
  • Share updated versions with counterparties via email
  • Negotiate with redlines in Word
  • Convert it to a PDF
  • Move it into an eSigning tool
  • Upload a copy of the executed contract to a shared drive

This process is repetitive and can be streamlined with modern contract management platforms like Juro. With Juro, you can automate the entire process, from drafting to signing, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.

Automating Your Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement

With platforms like Juro, you can:

  • Use automated contract templates .
  • Implement conditional logic for specific clauses.
  • Integrate with other platforms for seamless data transfer.
  • Use bulk actions for mass contract generation.
  • Negotiate directly on the platform.
  • Utilize built-in eSignature features.
  • Store and manage contracts securely in a centralized repository.

intellectual property assignment agreement template

Intellectual property is a valuable asset, and its proper assignment is crucial for businesses. By understanding the intricacies of intellectual property assignment agreements and leveraging modern tools, you can ensure a smooth and efficient transfer process.

If you're interested in streamlining your contract management process, book a personalized demo with us today.

intellectual property assignment agreement template

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intellectual property assignment agreement template

Patent Assignment Agreement

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Patent Assignment Agreement

This Patent Assignment Agreement is a comprehensive document designed to facilitate the transfer of patent ownership from the original patent owner, known as the assignor, to another party, known as the assignee .

A patent is a legal grant issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to an inventor, providing exclusive rights to make, use, and sell their invention for a limited period , typically 20 years from the filing date. This protection is granted in exchange for the public disclosure of the invention. This system encourages innovation and lets inventors benefit from their creations for a specified period of time.

An assignment is the legal transfer of ownership or rights of a patent from one party (assignor) to another (assignee) . Using a Patent Assignment Agreement, the assignor forever relinquishes their rights to the patent, and the assignee assumes control and ownership of those rights for the duration of the patent.

This assignment can be made either before or after a patent application has been issued as a patent. By law, a patent is considered personal property and, so, can be sold or transferred in the same way one could sell a car or a piece of furniture. This document formally initiates the transfer process, providing clarity and protection for both parties involved. This agreement is particularly useful when inventors, companies, or individuals who wish to transfer their patent rights, whether for financial considerations, strategic partnerships, or other business transactions.

This document is different from a Trademark Assignment Agreement, which is used for the transfer of a different kind of intellectual property, known as a trademark. A trademark is usually a brand name or logo, unlike a patent, which is usually an invention of some sort. This is also slightly different from an Intellectual Property Release . Although that form could be used for a patent, it is generally used for copyrighted material, like works of art or pieces of music. In that case, payment is not made and, instead, the copyrighted works are simply "released," or given to another party. This document can also be distinguished from an Intellectual Property Permission Letter, as there, one party is writing to request permission to use the intellectual property of another. The Patent Assignment Agreement would then come after the letter, but the letter is not the formal legal document that initiates the transfer.

How to use this document

This document includes all the information necessary to transfer the ownership of a patent from one party to another. This document should be used when the transfer will be permanent, usually for a one-time fee , and no royalties will be due after the assignment. This document allows the parties to fill in details of the patent to be transferred, such as the patent name, original recordation number, and date the patent was initially issued . This ensures that everything needed for new recordation with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is present.

Once the document has been completed, both parties should sign the document in front of a notary and have the notary complete the notary page. The document must then be recorded with the USPTO within three months of its signing, or it becomes void. The current cost for filing an assignment with the USPTO is $40 per patent. The assignment can be filed either online or by mail.

Applicable law

In the United States, specific federal laws govern patent assignments, primarily under Title 35 of the United States Code , which pertains to the country's patent system. Section 261 of Title 35 outlines the general provisions related to patent ownership and transfers. According to this statute, patent assignments must be in writing to be valid, and they require the signature of the owner of the patent or their authorized representative. The law also specifies that the assignment must be recorded with the USPTO to establish priority and provide notice to the public.

How to modify the template

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Patent Assignment Agreement - FREE - Sample, template

Country: United States

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intellectual property assignment agreement template

Intellectual property (IP) assignment agreement: Sample template for Ontario startups

In a technology business, it is often the value of the intellectual property (IP) assets that the investor finances or the purchaser pays for. It is critical to have “clean” ownership of any intellectual property that is critical to the operation and success of your business. If your products and services depend on certain key IP assets, an investor will undertake due diligence to understand your right to use such assets.

An intellectual property assignment agreement provides assurance to investors that the founders have legally transferred to the company the intellectual property required to run the business.

Make sure to engage qualified IP counsel at a very early stage of your business to ensure that you have the freedom to operate your business with your inventions and to make certain that your business can meet the due diligence requirements of investors. MaRS has created a sample template of an intellectual property assignment agreement to help streamline business for investors, founders and their respective legal advisors. While MaRS makes this document available for educational purposes and to facilitate the negotiation of terms between investors and startups, the template is yours to use at your own risk . Please see the disclaimer below.

Download the Sample intellectual property assignment template

Read next: Sample funding templates for Ontario investors and entrepreneurs

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The information contained in this website is provided only as general information and may or may not reflect the most current legal developments; accordingly, information on this website is not promised or guaranteed to be correct or complete. MaRS Discovery District expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this website.

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Intellectual Property Assignment Agreements: The Ultimate Business Guide

LegalGPS : Jul 25, 2024 10:30:00 AM

When you’re building a business, protecting your intellectual property (IP) is one of the most important steps you can take. That’s where an Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement comes into play. This agreement ensures that any IP created—whether it’s a product design, software, or even a brand logo—belongs to your business, not the individual who created it. We'll cover everything you need to know in this guide!

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Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement Template

Legal GPS templates are drafted by top startup attorneys and fully customizable.

What is An Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement?

An Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement is a legal document that ensures the transfer of an inventor or creator's rights to another person or company. Essentially, it’s a legal way of saying "what’s mine is now yours". These agreements are often used in situations involving startups, company buyouts, or employees creating new works or inventions during their jobs - situations a lot of entrepreneurs find themselves in.

Let's break that down a touch more:

Defining the Purpose

The IP assignment agreement's primary purpose is to help your business prevent future disputes regarding IP ownership. When all parties are clear on who owns the intellectual property, it prevents a whole host of potential issues.

Believe me, the last thing you need or want as an entrepreneur is a legal dispute over who owns an idea, an invention, or any creative output.

And that's where this agreement steps in: it provides legal proof that the ownership has been transferred. So, if ever challenged, you can show the agreement and say "See, it’s mine!" .

Key Elements to Consider for a Properly Drafted Agreement

When it comes to IP assignment agreements, not just any generic contract will do. It's crucial to understand and include some key elements to ensure you're fully protected.

1. Clarity of Transfer

The agreement must clearly define the scope and extent of the transferred rights. To do this, use precise language that leaves no room for confusion. For example, specify whether the IP rights being transferred are exclusive or non-exclusive and if there are any limitations on how the Assignee can use or sublicense the IP. Here's a suggested format:

"The Assignor hereby assigns to the Assignee, its successors and assigns, [exclusive/non-exclusive] rights, title, and interest in and to the Intellectual Property, subject to the following limitations [if any]:"

2. Definition of Transferred Intellectual Property

This section is where you identify the specific Intellectual Property being assigned. Start by describing the IP type (e.g., copyright, patent, trademark), then provide the necessary details:

For a copyright, include the work title and a brief description.

For a patent, mention the patent number and summarize the invention.

For a trademark, provide the trademark name, registration number, and design details.

Remember, the key is to be as detailed and transparent as possible.

3. Compensation and Payment Terms

Just as with any deal, it's important to be crystal clear about the compensation for transferring IP rights. Make sure you consider the following in your agreement:

The total amount payable

The currency

The payment method (e.g., check, wire transfer)

The payment schedule (e.g., lump-sum, installments)

For example: "In consideration for the assignment of rights, the Assignee shall pay the Assignor a total sum of [Amount] in [Currency], through [Payment Method], payable as follows:"

4. Warranties and Representations

Including warranties and representations in the agreement helps provide confidence to both parties. The Assignor should explicitly declare that they:

Are the sole and true owner of the IP

Have the complete right to assign the IP to the Assignee

The IP does not infringe on any third-party rights

A sample clause might look like this:

"The Assignor warrants and represents that they are the true and lawful owner of the Intellectual Property, have full right and authority to enter into this Agreement, and that the Intellectual Property does not infringe upon any third-party rights."

5. Confidentiality Agreements

A crucial aspect of a well-drafted IP Assignment Agreement is protecting sensitive information about the business and the IP itself. Incorporate confidentiality clauses to maintain a secure environment.

Try a clause similar to this one: "The parties agree to treat all confidential information related to this Agreement as strictly confidential, and to take all necessary precautions to prevent unauthorized disclosure or use of such information."

6. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Last but not least, outline which jurisdiction's laws will govern the agreement. Furthermore, state how any disputes will be resolved, such as through arbitration, mediation, or litigation.

A model clause could be: "This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of [State]. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be resolved by [method of dispute resolution]."

11

Drafting Your IP Assignment Agreement

Let's move on to the most crucial part of our discussion: Creating your Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement. This section intends to make it much clearer and more action-oriented. Your aim? To walk away with enough information to begin drafting your agreement. Let's dive in.

Step 1 - Identify the Parties Involved

Start by clearly naming the parties involved in the agreement.

Who is the 'Assignor' (the party transferring the rights)?

Who is the 'Assignee' (the individual or business entity receiving the rights)? Clearly outline their legal names and any other relevant identifying information, like addresses or official business names. It would typically look like this: "[Full Legal Name], referred to as the "Assignor," and [Full Legal Name], referred to as the "Assignee."

Step 2 - Specify the Assigned Intellectual Property

Here, you need to provide a full and exhaustive description of the intellectual property being transferred. Please don't leave room for vagueness or ambiguity - the more specific, the better. For instance, if it's a patent, include the patent number and a detailed summary of what the patent covers. If it's a copyrighted work, offer the title, the form of the work (e.g., a book, software, music), and a short description of it.

Your entry here might read: "The "Intellectual Property" includes, but is not limited to, [detailed description]."

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Step 3 - Describe the Transfer of Rights

This section is all about clearly laying out what you're giving up and what you're gaining. Highlight all rights, titles, and interests being assigned from the Assignor to the Assignee. You could list them out just to ensure nothing falls between the cracks.

It’s vital to be as clear and detailed as possible here. You're specifying the extent of the rights transferred. It could be exclusive, non-exclusive, permanent, temporary, how it can be used, if it can be sold, and more.

Here's an example:

"The Assignor hereby assigns to the Assignee, its successors and assigns, all rights, title, and interest in and to the Intellectual Property, including, without limitation, the right to sue and recover for past, present, and future violations."

Step 4 - Detail Compensation and Payment Terms

Now, let's talk about money. In this step, you need to fully detail the financial exchanges. Include the amount of payment, payment format, and schedule (upfront, lump sum, installments). It wouldn't hurt to clearly lay out what conditions, if any, would lead to a return of the compensation.

This clause might look something like:

"For the assignment of rights under this Agreement, the Assignee shall provide compensation to the Assignor in the amount of [Amount], payable [insert payment method and schedule]".

Step 5 - Include Confidentiality Clauses

Especially with IP, you'll want to build in some safety nets. You can include a confidentiality clause that prevents the involved parties from disclosing sensitive information about the IP.

A basic confidentiality clause may read: "The Assignor agrees to keep confidential all non-public information that the Assignee designates as being confidential, not to disclose it to any other people, and not to use it for any purpose other than the discharge of the Assignor's obligations under this Agreement."

Step 6 - Determine Governing Law and Dispute Resolution Process

Finally, specify which state or country's laws will govern the agreement. This is crucial in the case of any future legal disputes. Additionally, include how disputes over the agreement will be resolved - arbitration, mediation, litigation, etc.

Here is an example:

"This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State]. Any disputes under this Agreement shall be resolved by [method of dispute resolution]."

Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes and Pitfalls

You're now equipped with all you need to draft an agreement. But before you get started, here are some quick tips to avoid any missteps:

Ensure the agreement is detailed and described correctly

Work with a knowledgeable attorney

Review the final agreement carefully before signing

With these, you're set to protect your business's most valuable assets!

In today's competitive business environment, it's imperative to protect your inventions, your creations - your Intellectual Property. If you're still unsure where to start, check out our professional template for Intellectual Property Assignments!

With an Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement in hand, you're ensuring that ownership of these is well established to prevent future disputes.

Get Legal GPS's Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement Template Now

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