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ARTICLE · 25 SEPTEMBER 2023

What Are The IP Ownership Options?

Potter Clarkson LLP
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When it comes to intellectual property (IP) ownership, a business has several options. Choosing the best option will depend on the nature of the IP, your commercial objectives and the associated legal obligations.

United KingdomIntellectual Property
Jesper Sellin
Jesper Sellin
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When it comes to intellectual property (IP) ownership, a business has several options. Choosing the best option will depend on the nature of the IP, your commercial objectives and the associated legal obligations. However - generally speaking - the IP ownership options open to you will include:

INDIVIDUAL OWNERSHIP/SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP

An individual creates the IP personally so will own the IP personally.

JOINT OWNERSHIP

This could take the form of co-ownership (i.e. two or more individuals or entities jointly create and own the IP under a co-ownership agreement), Tenants in Common (the co-owners own unequal shares of the IP and each can independently transfer their share to other parties) or Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship (the co-owners have equal shares of the IP and if one passes away, their share will automatically transfer to the other co-owners).

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