About the Course

A contract forms the legal framework of a business relationship and exchange of promises between parties. It defines each party’s obligations. Business relationships between the Public Sector and externals can take different forms. An agency can be a purchaser of services, a service provider, a collaborator or partner, or a co-ordinator of partnerships. IP issues and considerations would differ depending on the form of the relationship, the extent of involvement and the intended outcome of the relationship.

In order to provide an understanding of IP issues that can arise in these different contexts, this module of the IP Practice series for the Public Sector, would first provide an overview of the basics of contract law. It will then deal with IP/IP-related clauses in common contracts such as IT/software, procurement, employment, commission, consultancy agreements etc. It will also detail common forms of IP contracts including non-disclosure agreements, confidentiality agreements, technology transfer agreements, licence agreements, assignments and research collaboration agreements. The Government’s Policy on IP and Procurement would be discussed in context of different situations.

At the end of this Module, participants should be able to:

- Analyse essential IP contract terms

- Understand how to best apply Government's policy on procurement

- Identify IP issues that can arise in common contractual situations

- Take steps to see that these IP issues are addressed by ensuring proper 
   and careful drafting of IP clauses in contracts

Programme Scope

- Principles of contract law

- Background/foreground IP

- Ownership issues

- Defining rights and need of use

- Understanding interests of other parties

- Examples of IP clauses

- Forms of IP contracts and differences

- Government Rights to Use

Interested in learning more?

IP Practice: Maximising Government's IP Assets

11 Feb 2009

In this module of the IP Practice series, participants will start off with understanding how IP assets can be identified in an organisation. They will then be introduced to the variety of exploitation forms and vehicles – from a simple assignment or licence, to franchises, collaborations and spin-outs. An examination will be undertaken of the different treatments needed in handling registrable IP rights (patents, trade marks, registered designs) from non-registered IP rights (know-how, confidential information, copyright) and how these can be bundled effectively. Assessment and determining factors in deciding on type and form of exploitation mechanisms will be discussed.

To find out more, please click here.

A special discount will be given to parties who register for both modules at the same time!