It works better together. This also applies to the successful creation of a product. But who ultimately owns the IP Rights such as Patents or Designs?

Collaboration with other companies or universities creates new opportunities and moves the project forward. Especially when a successful product has been created, the question often arises as to who owns the rights to it. In many cases, however, it is then no longer possible to determine who made which contributions. After all, it is in the nature of collaboration in the research and development sector that extensive information is exchanged.

All of this can result in it being unclear who owns the right to certain IP Rights. Confidentiality and contractual agreements are instruments that should be used in a targeted manner to maintain control over IP Rights such as Patents or Designs.

Read more about this in grips 2017/3.