How is patent ownership transferred?

Patent ownership can be transferred through an assignment. According to 35 U.S.C. 261, assignments of patent applications, patents, or any interest therein must be in writing. The MPEP defines an assignment as: ‘a transfer by a party of all or part of its right, title and interest in a patent [or] patent application….’ An assignment…

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What is the difference between an assignment and a license in patent law?

The MPEP distinguishes between assignments and licenses in patent law: Assignment: ‘An assignment of a patent, or patent application, is the transfer to another of a party’s entire ownership interest or a percentage of that party’s ownership interest in the patent or application.’ License: ‘As compared to assignment of patent rights, the licensing of a…

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