What is the difference between a patent assignment and a patent license?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. The key differences between a patent assignment and a patent license are: Assignment: Transfers all or part of the ownership interest in a patent, including the entire bundle of rights associated with ownership. License: Transfers a bundle of rights that is less than the entire ownership interest. It may be limited in time, geographical area, or field of use. A license is essentially a contractual agreement that the patent owner will not sue the licensee for patent infringement under certain conditions. Even an exclusive license is not considered an assignment of patent rights. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Record of Patents and Applications Required MPEP 301 Required Assignment of Patent Transfers Ownership Interest MPEP 301 Entire Ownership Interest Must Be Transferred MPEP 301 Required Assignment of Patent Must Be in Writing MPEP 301 Assignment of Patent Rights Permitted MPEP 301 Permitted Assignment of Patents Must Be in Writing MPEP 301 Required License Transfers Limited Patent Rights MPEP 301 Permitted Patent Owner Can Grant Exclusive License to Licensee MPEP 301 Permitted Assignment of Patent Transfers Ownership MPEP 301 Definitions for Ownership and Assignability of Patents and Applications MPEP 301 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What information is available in USPTO patent assignment records? How does the USPTO handle confidential patent assignment information? What is the significance of recording a patent assignment? Are all patent assignment records publicly accessible? What information is available in the USPTO&#8217;s assignment database?