Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement

Everything you need to know about getting an IP Assignment Agreement over Goodlawyer.

  1. What is a IP Assignment Agreement?
  2. Pricing and Scope
  3. What is the Process?
  4. Why does my business need these documents?
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
  6. Book your IP Assignment Agreement

 


What is an Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement?

Intellectual Property (IP) Assignment Agreements are contracts that establish the ownership of IP such as copyrights, trademarks, and patents by transferring it from one party to another. They serve a wide variety of functions but are most often used to transfer IP that is owned by an individual creator to a company. This ensures that the company won’t have any issues if the creator of the IP leaves, dies, or in any way changes their mind about their creations. These agreements are essential for companies that are trying to attract investors. 

 


Pricing and Scope

Starting at $720 + Tax

Included

  • Project kick-off call to gather information, advise you, and answer questions
  • One customized Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement
  • One round of minor revisions if necessary

Not Included

  • More than one IP Assignment Agreement
  • Additional work or questions following the delivery of the IP Assignment Agreement
  • Major revisions or rewriting of the IP Assignment Agreement throughout, or after the project

Your lawyer may recommend different or additional services, including a custom quote. Your approval for any additional work is always required and you will never be billed for services you didn't agree to.

 


What is the process?

  1. Book a call. Pick a time to discuss your IP Assignment Agreement with a Good Lawyer.
  2. Design your Agreement. Help your lawyer understand your situation and how you want to transfer the intellectual property. Your lawyer will advise you on exactly what your agreement needs to include and help you understand why. 
  3. Receive your Agreement. You will receive a digital copy of the IP Assignment Agreement ready to print, sign, and use.

 


Why use an IP Assignment Agreement?

To enable outside investment.

If your company relies on a technology, product, or brand, then a significant portion of the company’s value is based on the intellectual property it owns. Investors will simply not risk their money if your intellectual property belongs to your employees and contractors rather than the company itself.

Own what you’ve paid for.

Your employees and consultants are inevitably creating new intellectual property as they work and you need to ensure that it belongs to your company. An IP Assignment Agreement will prevent them from taking that IP and using it elsewhere once their job is done. 

 


Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Goodlawyer Service Fee work?

Because we believe in transparent pricing, we make our best effort to be upfront about additional fees and how they are calculated.

Visit the Goodlawyer Service Fees page for a detailed explanation.

When should I use an IP Assignment Agreement?

You can use them at any time throughout the life of the intellectual property, but it’s much easier and cheaper to consult with an IP lawyer at the creation of your business before you ever hire employees or contractors. However, whether a piece of IP is still in ideation, the middle of development, or fully functional, it’s ownership can be transferred with a proper agreement.

Usually, good Employment Agreements, Independent Contractor Agreements, and Service Agreements will include an IP Assignment section, but it’s never too late to get an IP Assignment Agreement if your other contracts don’t address it already. Ultimately, if you’re thinking about raising capital, any quality investor will do their due diligence to ensure that your company owns it’s most valuable assets: the IP.

What kinds of IP can I use this agreement for?

From simple copyrights which exist as soon as something is created, to complicated patents that can take up to 2 years for federal approval, an IP assignment agreement has you covered. Depending on the nature and complexity of the IP being transferred and the ownership structure, your Assignment Agreement might require extra work. Your lawyer will always clarify any additional costs for your approval before proceeding.

Why not use a free template I found on the internet?

Canadian law protects the intellectual property of creators extensively. A templated agreement might not stand up in court if the ownership of the IP is ever contested (this is especially true for Patented IP). If you’re already using a templated agreement and you aren’t sure if it is adequate, consider booking a Contract Review to have it examined by a good lawyer.

What if I need more than one IP Assignment Agreement?

This service will only cover the creation of one Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement. If additional Intellectual Property Assignment Agreements or changes to your other IP related agreements are needed, you can talk to your Good Lawyer. Sometimes it is more efficient to produce multiple agreements and a discount is possible, but that is situational and Goodlawyer can’t guarantee any kind of bulk discount. 

What file format will the IP Assignment Agreement be in?

Intellectual Property Assignment Agreements are generally delivered as a PDF so that they can be easily shared, printed, and signed. They can also be delivered as a Word document. If that’s something you’re interested in, make sure you mention it to your lawyer.

Will I be able to communicate with my lawyer after the kickoff call?

Yes, absolutely. You can use the Goodlawyer platform to send messages and files. If substantially more communication is needed, your lawyer may request another call.

Do I need a lawyer in my province?

No. Intellectual property law is established federally and applies the same all over the country. Most (but not all) of Canada’s top intellectual property lawyers are in Toronto and they can help you wherever you are.

 


"I'd highly recommend this service to anyone that needs accurate legal information with a minimum of fuss. Just what I was looking for!"

Ronan, September 2020 — 5-Star Google Review


 

Own your intellectual property.

Book an IP Assignment Agreement

 

Your lawyer will assess your situation and make sure this is the correct service for your needs.

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