Put your IP arrangements into clear contract terms
A contractor is finishing the product. A manufacturer needs the files. A partner wants to sell under your brand. Each situation calls for different rights and limits. We help turn the commercial arrangement into terms both sides can understand.
A licence or a transfer of rights?
A licence permits use on agreed terms. An assignment transfers ownership of the specified rights. The suitable model depends on the task, asset and applicable law.
Letting a partner use a brand and securing company ownership of contractor-created code are different transactions. A single template can leave important questions unanswered.
What the document should make clear
Which asset is covered, and what rights does the granting party hold? What may the recipient do, in which territories and for how long? Can materials be modified, other contractors engaged or sublicences granted? How do payment, acceptance, termination and disputes work?
We also address source files, new versions and confidential information. For parties in different countries, governing law and any local formalities need consideration.
How Zakhyst helps
We review the working arrangement and existing documents, draft or revise terms, explain risks and help negotiate changes. Tax and accounting consequences of cross-border payments require separate input from the relevant specialists.
What to send first
A draft agreement, the countries involved, a description of the asset and your intended outcome: acquire rights, grant a licence or arrange shared use.
Questions about IP agreements
What is the difference between an IP licence and an assignment?
A licence allows another party to use an asset on agreed terms while ownership is retained. An assignment transfers ownership of specified rights. The choice depends on whether you want to permit use of a brand or product, or transfer the relevant rights.
Which terms should an intellectual property agreement address?
The agreement should clearly identify the asset, parties’ rights, permitted uses, territory, duration and payment. Where relevant, it should address modifications, sublicensing, source files and new versions. We also review termination and dispute provisions in light of the applicable law.
Can you adapt an existing contractor or partner agreement?
Yes. We can start by reviewing the existing draft and the intended outcome of the relationship. We identify what it already covers, where gaps remain and which changes are needed. Drafting revisions and supporting negotiations are scoped separately.
What determines the cost of preparing an IP agreement?
The cost depends on the asset, commercial arrangement, parties’ countries and existing documents. Reviewing one agreement, drafting a new document and supporting negotiations involve different work. Tax and accounting consequences of international payments require separate advice from the relevant specialists.
Does an NDA transfer IP rights?
No. A non-disclosure agreement governs the handling of information. Ownership and permitted uses need separate terms.
Our Ukrainian and overseas companies have the same founder. Does that settle it?
A common founder does not remove the need to check each company’s basis for using an asset. Documentation depends on the ownership and transactions involved.