Nebraska Patent Forms

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

Nebraska 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 like a legal contract between two parties that gives permission to one party to use or sell someone else's product, brand, or intellectual property. It basically outlines the terms and conditions for this permission, such as the duration of the agreement, the royalties or fees to be paid, and any restrictions or requirements. In Nebraska, a licensing agreement is a way for businesses or individuals to legally grant others the right to use their creations or inventions in exchange for compensation. It safeguards the interests of both the licensor (the owner of the product) and the licensee (the party seeking permission), ensuring a fair and transparent relationship between them.


Elements of a Licensing Agreement

A licensing agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions between a licensor (the owner of a product or idea) and a licensee (the person or business obtaining the license). In Nebraska, the elements of a licensing agreement typically include the details of the licensed property, such as the trademarks, patents, copyrights, or trade secrets to be licensed. It will also specify the scope of the license and any restrictions or limitations on its use. The agreement may cover aspects like payment terms, duration of the license, and obligations of both parties. Additionally, it is essential to include clauses related to confidentiality, remedies for breach, and any dispute resolution methods. The agreement should be clear and easy to understand for both parties, and it serves as a legal framework to protect the rights and interests of both the licensor and the licensee in Nebraska.


When is a Licensing Agreement Needed?

A licensing agreement is needed when one person or business wants to grant permission to another person or business to use their intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, or copyrights. In Nebraska, a licensing agreement may be required when someone wants to use someone else's invention, brand, or creative work within the state. This agreement ensures that the intellectual property owner retains control and gets compensation for their work, while allowing the licensee to use and benefit from it. It is an important legal tool to protect both parties' interests and encourage collaboration and innovation.


Types of Licensing Agreements

In Nebraska, there are various types of licensing agreements that individuals and businesses can enter into. One common type is a trademark licensing agreement, which allows a person or company to use another party's registered trademark in exchange for royalties or fees. Another type is a software licensing agreement, which permits the use of a specific software program subject to certain terms and conditions. Additionally, there are patent licensing agreements, which grant others the right to use or manufacture a patented invention. These agreements help protect intellectual property rights and enable parties to benefit from their creations by allowing others to use or market them in the state of Nebraska.


Licensing Agreement Fees and Royalties

A licensing agreement fee is a certain amount of money that is paid by one party to another in order to obtain the legal right to use a particular product, brand, or intellectual property. This fee helps to cover the costs associated with granting such permission. On the other hand, royalties are ongoing payments that are made by the licensee to the licensor based on certain agreements, such as a percentage of sales or a fixed amount per unit sold. These royalties act as a sort of financial reward for the licensor for allowing their intellectual property to be used by the licensee. In Nebraska, licensing agreement fees and royalties are governed by state laws and regulations, which outline the rights and obligations of both parties involved.