Missouri Patent Forms

Protect your intellectual property and locate state specific Patent forms for all types situations.

Missouri Patent FAQ

When do I need a patent?

U.S. patent laws were enacted by Congress under its Constitutional grant of authority to protect the discoveries of inventors. In order to be patented an invention must be novel, useful, and not of an obvious nature. Patents are issued for four general types of inventions/discoveries: machines, human made products, compositions of matter, and processing methods.

Patents grant an inventor the right to exclude others from producing or using the inventor's discovery or invention for a limited period of time. In order to be patented an invention must be novel, useful, and not of an obvious nature. There are three types of patents: a) "utility patent" which includes a process, a machine (mechanism with moving parts), manufactured products, and compounds or mixtures (such as chemical formulas); b) "design patent" which is a new, original and ornamental design for a manufactured article; and c) "plant patent" which is a new variety of a cultivated asexually reproduced plant.


What is a Licensing Agreement?

A Licensing Agreement is a legal document that allows one party (the licensee) to use or access certain rights, properties, or intellectual property owned by another party (the licensor). It grants the licensee permission to utilize the licensor's product, brand, technology, or trademark in exchange for agreed-upon fees or royalties. In Missouri, a licensing agreement works the same way as in any other state, providing a legally binding understanding between two parties to ensure the authorized use of intellectual property or specific rights.


Elements of a Licensing Agreement

A licensing agreement is a legal document that specifies the terms and conditions under which one party grants another party the right to use a particular product, brand, or intellectual property. In Missouri, the elements of a licensing agreement include the identification of the licensor and licensee, the clear description of the licensed property, the scope and territory of the license, the duration of the agreement, and the terms regarding payment and royalties. Additionally, the agreement may include provisions related to quality control, confidentiality, dispute resolution, termination, and any other specific conditions agreed upon by both parties. These elements help ensure a clear understanding and fair arrangement between the licensor and licensee in Missouri.


When is a Licensing Agreement Needed?

A licensing agreement is needed when one party wants to grant permission to another party to use or access their intellectual property, such as trademarks, copyrights, or patents. This agreement sets out the terms and conditions under which the licensee can utilize the licensed property. In Missouri, a licensing agreement may be necessary if a business or individual wants to license their intellectual property to another party based in the state. The agreement helps protect the rights of both the licensor and licensee and ensures that both parties understand their obligations and rights.


Types of Licensing Agreements

In Missouri, there are various types of licensing agreements that can be entered into. One type is a patent license, which allows someone to use or sell an invention that is protected by a patent. Another type is a trademark license, which grants permission to use a specific name, logo, or symbol for commercial purposes. Additionally, there are copyright licenses, which permit the use of a creative work, such as music, art, or writing. These licensing agreements are important for individuals or businesses in Missouri to protect their intellectual property and ensure fair use and compensation.


Licensing Agreement Fees and Royalties

A licensing agreement is a legal contract between two parties that allows one party to use the intellectual property of the other party, such as trademarks, patents, or copyrights. In this agreement, the party using the intellectual property pays fees and royalties to the party who owns it. These fees can be a one-time payment or paid periodically. In Missouri, licensing agreement fees and royalties are determined based on negotiations between the parties involved. The amount of fees and royalties can vary depending on factors like the popularity and value of the intellectual property being used. It is important for both parties to carefully review and understand the licensing agreement terms to ensure fair compensation and proper use of the intellectual property.