Invention licensing is the process of leasing a patented or patent-pending product to a company that can manufacture and sell it.
It’s a marketing and brand extension strategy used by major corporations, small businesses, and independent inventors alike. Licensing can bring a corporate brand into new categories, expand its presence within a store, or place it in new retail locations altogether.
For inventors, a strong licensing program can mean earning royalties without taking on the heavy costs of manufacturing, marketing, or distribution.
How Licensing Works
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Start by checking if patent protection is possible with a professional patent search.
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If it looks promising, file a high-quality patent application.
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Market your invention consistently to potential licensees.
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When a company shows interest, negotiate the licensing agreement.
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The licensee manufactures and sells your product, paying you a royalty for each unit sold.
Licensing is a smart option for inventors who want their ideas in the market without the full risk of production. By teaming up with an established company, you gain access to its factories, retail contacts, and marketing channels—resources that could take years to develop on your own.
This partnership lets you focus on what you do best: creating and improving products. The company benefits as well, adding new ideas to its lineup without starting from scratch.
Whether you’ve designed a home improvement tool, a consumer gadget, or something completely unique, licensing can connect your invention with opportunities that most independent inventors never reach. With the right preparation and expert guidance, your product could be the next big success story.
At Inventor Process, Inc., we can help with patenting, marketing, and negotiation every step of the way. Helping inventors is all we do!
