Conditions for the use of a protected invention or trade mark are set out in writing by the parties in a licence agreement in order to clearly define and protect the rights and obligations of both parties. These include, for example, provisions on the duration of the licence, the right of use, financial agreements such as licence fees (royalties), geographical restrictions or possible restrictions on use within certain technologies.

It is important to note that patent licences are not granted automatically. Patent owners have the right to decide to whom they grant a licence and under what conditions.

A patent licence can be acquired by an individual as well as by companies. Companies also often grant each other cross licences.

It should be noted that licence fees can vary greatly and that the conditions in licence agreements are regularly influenced by individual situations.

PPR AG specialises in this important and comprehensive activity of drafting licence agreements.