IP assignment & ownership agreements: Securing legal title to your innovation
IP assignment and ownership agreements are the legal instruments that secure the clear, undisputed title to your intellectual property (IP).
These documents legally transfer the rights from the original creator (e.g. an employee, contractor, or joint venture partner) to your business.
This is essential for protecting your innovation because an IP right is only valuable if the company has the legal standing to enforce it.
For innovative businesses, these agreements are critical for corporate hygiene and are a non-negotiable requirement for investment, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), or any high-value commercial transaction.
IP assignment & ownership: How we assist you
Intellectual Property (IP) disputes are our exclusive focus. Our 18 years of experience fighting in court have taught us that the number one reason IP assets fail in litigation is because of a flawed chain of title.
We know that a weak clause in a contractor agreement can destroy millions in asset value overnight.
We guide you through a forensic review of all internal and external IP creation agreements. We meticulously draft or review employment contracts, contractor agreements, and joint venture deeds, ensuring every piece of IP created for your business is legally and unequivocally assigned to you.
We aim to eliminate any potential ambiguity that a cross-examining legal professional could exploit.
Our unique capability in this area
Many firms view ownership agreements as standard paperwork. Our unique capability is securing your corporate title.
We approach every agreement with the scepticism of a litigator, focusing on the specific wording necessary to transfer rights correctly under UK law (especially for contractors, where default ownership often remains with the creator).
This ensures your entire IP portfolio is due diligence ready, capable of withstanding the scrutiny of major investors and buyers, protecting transactional value, and preventing costly future litigation.
IP assignment and ownership agreements: Common questions and answers
Why are these agreements necessary if my IP is registered?
Registration proves a right exists, but ownership agreements prove who created the right and that legal title was correctly transferred to the company.
Without a clear chain of title, the registration is vulnerable to challenge, especially during investment due diligence.
We ensure your ownership is as robust as your registration.
What is the biggest risk of having unclear ownership agreements?
The biggest risk is the failure of a merger, acquisition (M&A), or large investment round. Investors and buyers require absolute certainty of title.
If a former employee or contractor can claim partial ownership, it could collapse the asset value and, often, the entire transaction. Ambiguity is the "silent killer" of business value.
Do I need different agreements for contractors versus employees?
Yes, absolutely. For employees, IP ownership typically vests with the employer if created during the scope of employment and job responsibilities.
However, for contractors or freelancers, the law assumes they own the IP unless a legally robust assignment clause explicitly transfers ownership to the company. Failure to use the correct legal form is a common, high-risk error.
How does your firm help with joint ventures or collaboration-originated IP?
Joint ventures are complex because they involve co-ownership.
We specialise in drafting collaboration agreements that meticulously define who owns what before creation, how the IP is to be commercialised, and the clear exit strategy and division of rights if the collaboration ends.
This prevents co-owners from blocking future licensing or sale opportunities. Sadly, this is often a context where disputes arise as certain IP becomes valuable.
Robust agreements from the outset remove the incentive for advantage to be taken over unclear ownership of key innovations.
Next steps
Ready to secure the legal foundation of your entire business? Use the contact form below to arrange an appointment with our team to discuss an audit of your IP ownership agreements.
The content on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No solicitor-client relationship is created by your use of this site. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date, it should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel. For specific advice regarding your legal situation, please contact us directly to arrange a consultation.
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