A licence grants permission to use IP without transferring ownership. The drafting questions are: scope (which rights, for which uses, in which territories); exclusivity; term and termination; royalty or fee structure; quality control; and what happens to the licensee's investment if the licence ends.

Why IP licences are bespoke work

A licence is a long-term commercial relationship, often with significant investment by the licensee, and the agreement should be drafted with that long horizon in mind.

Templates rarely capture the specifics, the right scope of permitted use, the right royalty mechanic, the right protections for the owner, and IP licences sit on the more bespoke end of the contract spectrum.

This service covers a standard two-party IP licence for a single type of IP (copyright, software, design rights, or know-how) with straightforward commercial terms. For trademark or brand licences, see the Brand Licence Agreement.

Example: a typical scope and fixed fee

For a two-party IP licence covering a single type of IP with straightforward terms, the typical scope looks like this.

What's included

  • A consultation to understand the IP being licensed, the licensee, and the commercial arrangement
  • Drafting of an IP licence agreement covering scope of licence, exclusivity or non-exclusivity, territory, permitted use, restrictions, royalties or fees, duration, termination, and IP ownership confirmation
  • One round of revisions based on your feedback
  • Final version ready for execution

What's outside this scope

  • Licences covering multiple types of IP or complex royalty structures (I can quote separately)
  • Trademark or brand licences (see Brand Licence Agreement)
  • Cross-licensing arrangements
  • Negotiation with the other party beyond the scope described above
  • Tax advice

Fixed fee: £550, no VAT.

How I will approach your matter

Once you have instructed me, I will arrange a consultation to understand the IP being licensed, the licensee, and the commercial arrangement before drafting. The drafting will be specific to the IP and the commercial deal rather than templated.

To instruct me, or to talk through whether this is the right service for your matter, email geoffrey@caesar.co.uk. I aim to reply within 24 hours.