Webinar: Commercial Implications of IP Assignments

Venue

Online

Description

This webinar is for epi members & epi students only!


Delivered by epi together with experts from the EPO, this session offers clear, practical insights into the role of IP in commercial contracts.

IP assignments carry significant commercial implications across various ownership transfer scenarios and have the potential to drive innovation and commercial development across different organisational contexts, each with distinct implications.

When inventors assign IP to companies, they typically receive compensation while companies gain exclusive rights to commercialise the inventor’s technology, though inventors may lose control over their creation's future applications. However, well-structured agreements may include royalties or milestone payments to the inventor.

Company-to-company assignments often occur during acquisitions or strategic partnerships, creating value through expanded market access and commercialisation capabilities, with pricing reflecting both tangible IP value and strategic importance. Whilst the acquiring company secures market advantages and potential revenue streams, the selling company realises immediate financial returns, though may face future competition from their own innovations.

University-to-company transfers (particularly to spinouts) balance academic innovation with commercial viability, frequently featuring ongoing royalty arrangements, research collaborations, and milestone-based payments to align incentives. Whilst they help transform academic research into commercial products while generating revenue for the institution, balancing academic publication interests with commercial confidentiality requirements presents ongoing challenges.

When companies enter administration, IP assets become critical components in recovery strategies - they may be sold to satisfy creditors, used to attract buyers for the entire business, or become collateral for rescue financing, with proper valuation being essential to maximise recovery value.

Level of the training  
entry-level understanding of various types of IP and the role of IP in commercial contracts

Working language

• English

Registration deadline

Registration is open until 02.03.2026 The order of receipt by epi will determine the attendance in case of over-subscription.