Co-ownership of Intellectual Property Rights in the UK - What Can Go Wrong?

Introduction

Whenever two or more parties wish to collaborate on a creative or innovative project, the ownership arrangements relating to any new intellectual property will be a key part of the negotiations - and this is not surprising, given that the IP resulting from a project (together with the rights to use and exploit it) will often represent the most valuable output of that project.

To the uninitiated, co-ownership of IP is often seen as the obvious and fair solution, and a sensible way to avoid tricky negotiations with future business partners.

However, many people will tell you that co-ownership should be avoided at all costs.

Is this true?

Why do people think this?

Is co-ownership ever a good idea?

This new virtual classroom seminar will explore the answers to all of these questions.

You will learn about why co-ownership of IP should be approached carefully and with forethought by the parties involved, what can go wrong, and the potential alternatives - including practical tips on negotiating to find a mutually acceptable solution.

The session will also consider when co-ownership may nevertheless be appropriate, and what can be done to make it workable in such circumstances.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive course will cover the following:

• Circumstances in which the issue of IP co-ownership is likely to arise
• Potential risks and issues associated with co-ownership of IP
• Potential alternatives to co-ownership
• Why co-ownership, despite the pitfalls, may occasionally be the right solution
• How to make co-ownership work - what to cover in a co-ownership agreement

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.