Tennessee Patent Forms - Tennessee Patent Application

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

Tennessee 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 contract between two parties that grants permission to one party (the licensee) to use, produce, or sell a product or service that is owned by the other party (the licensor). This agreement outlines the specific terms and conditions under which the licensee will have the right to use the intellectual property, such as trademarks, copyrights, or patents, of the licensor. In the state of Tennessee, a licensing agreement follows the same general principles as any other state. It involves a mutual agreement between the licensor and licensee, specifying the rights and obligations of both parties when it comes to using or commercializing the licensed intellectual property.


Elements of a Licensing Agreement

A licensing agreement in Tennessee is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions between the licensor (the owner of the intellectual property or product) and the licensee (the entity or person obtaining the right to use it). It includes several important elements such as the scope of the license, which defines what the licensee can do with the licensed property, and the duration of the agreement. The agreement also covers the payment structure, including any upfront fees or ongoing royalties that the licensee must pay to the licensor. Additionally, it may outline any restrictions or limitations on the licensee's use of the licensed property, as well as provisions for resolving disputes or terminating the agreement.


When is a Licensing Agreement Needed?

A licensing agreement is needed when someone wants to give permission to someone else to use their property or intellectual property. In Tennessee, a licensing agreement may be needed when a person or business wants to let another person or business use their trademark, patent, copyright, or any other protected material. This agreement is important to protect the rights of the owner and make sure that the terms of usage are clear and agreed upon by both parties. It helps prevent any unauthorized use or infringement of the owner's property and establishes the rights, responsibilities, and limitations for both parties involved.


Types of Licensing Agreements

In Tennessee, there are different kinds of licensing agreements that allow individuals or companies to legally use intellectual property like patents, copyrights, or trademarks. One common type is a patent licensing agreement, which gives others the right to manufacture or sell a patented invention in exchange for royalties or fees. There are also copyright licensing agreements, which allow individuals or businesses to use copyrighted materials like artwork, music, or literature. Additionally, trademark licensing agreements permit others to use a registered trademark for their products or services. These agreements are important for protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring fair compensation for its use.


Licensing Agreement Fees and Royalties

Licensing agreement fees and royalties refer to the charges and payments involved in granting the rights to use or reproduce a particular product, idea, or intellectual property. It is like a contract where the owner allows others to use their creation for a fee. In Tennessee, these fees and royalties play a significant role in business transactions, ensuring the rights and interests of both the creator and the licensee are protected. The fee is the amount paid upfront when entering into the agreement, which may vary depending on factors like the value of the intellectual property and the scope of its use. Royalties, on the other hand, are regular payments made to the owner based on a percentage of the sales or profits generated from the licensed product or idea. By establishing fair and mutually beneficial licensing agreement fees and royalties, businesses in Tennessee can efficiently utilize intellectual property while compensating the owners accordingly.