Wisconsin Patent Forms

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

Wisconsin 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 one party (the licensee) permission to use certain intellectual property or assets owned by the other party (the licensor) in exchange for a payment or fee. In Wisconsin, licensing agreements are commonly used by businesses to protect their copyrights, trademarks, or patents. These agreements ensure that the licensor retains ownership of their intellectual property while allowing the licensee to use it for specific purposes, such as manufacturing, distribution, or marketing, as outlined in the agreement. By entering into a licensing agreement, both parties can benefit financially and maintain control over their intellectual property rights.


Elements of a Licensing Agreement

A licensing agreement is a legal collaboration between two parties where one party owns certain rights or intellectual property and grants permission to another party to use, distribute, or produce the property for a defined period of time. In Wisconsin, a licensing agreement includes specific elements or components that both parties should address to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts. These elements typically consist of the scope and duration of the license, rights and responsibilities of both parties, payment terms, quality control, termination conditions, dispute resolution methods, and any other key provisions relevant to the agreement. It is crucial for both parties to clearly define these elements to ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial relationship throughout the licensing agreement.


When is a Licensing Agreement Needed?

A licensing agreement is needed when someone wants to give permission to another person or company to use their intellectual property, like patents, trademarks, or copyrights. This agreement is important because it outlines the terms and conditions for both parties involved, ensuring that the owner's rights are protected while allowing the licensee to use the intellectual property legally. In Wisconsin, a licensing agreement is required when a person or business wants to grant someone else the right to use their intellectual property within the state. It ensures that both parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities and helps avoid any potential legal disputes.


Types of Licensing Agreements

In Wisconsin, there are different types of licensing agreements between individuals or companies, which involve granting permission to use a certain product or intellectual property. One common type is the trademark licensing agreement, where a company allows another company to utilize its trademark in exchange for royalties or fees. Another type is the software licensing agreement, which permits the usage of software under specific terms and conditions. Additionally, there are also patent licensing agreements, where the owner of a patent grants someone else the right to produce or sell the patented invention. These agreements help ensure fair use and protect the rights of both parties involved in Wisconsin.


Licensing Agreement Fees and Royalties

A licensing agreement fee is a charge that someone needs to pay for getting the rights to use someone else's property, like a trademark or a patent. It's kinda like paying rent for using someone's stuff. In Wisconsin, when you want to use someone's property and make money from it, you usually have to pay a certain percentage of your earnings as royalties. These royalties are like a share of the profit that goes to the owner of the property. So, licensing agreement fees and royalties are a way for someone in Wisconsin to use and make money from someone else's stuff, while also giving a fair share to the owner.