Billions of dollars have been generated by global licensing transactions in recent years with much of it coming from trademark and copyright transactions. A well conceived and managed licensing program can enable an IP owner to obtain significant additional income from its assets, as well as increase the owner’s scope of rights in them and, consequently, their value. However, there are a number of potential licensing pitfalls that can have an adverse affect on not only a companies assets, but the overall business which must be considered. This panel explored:
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The potential legal and business value of a successful trademark and copyright licensing program
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Finding and evaluating licensing opportunities, and determining their potential worth
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Steps companies can take to obtain and protect their intellectual property rights overseas
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Recognizing the downside legal and business risks of licensing
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Distinguishing between necessary and desirable license terms
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The work required after the license is granted
Panelists for this session included: Craig Fochler, Partner, Foley; Kamau King, Trademark Counsel, The Coca-Cola Company; Tanya Moore, Senior Director IP Licensing, Microsoft Corporation; Stanley Pierre-Louis, Vice President and Associate General Counsel Intellectual Property & Content Protection, Viacom Inc.; and Catherine Sun, Partner, Foley.