Turning complex IP challenges into growth opportunities
At the heart of innovation lies intellectual property (IP). Foster Garvey’s IP Licensing and Transactions group helps clients unlock the full value of their IP by providing strategic guidance and tailored legal solutions at every stage of development, deployment and commercialization. From early-stage collaborations to complex cross-border acquisitions and deals, our attorneys have the experience and industry insight to help clients navigate IP challenges and seize opportunities worldwide.
IP is everywhere and in every industry. Trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, patents and even rights of publicity and privacy, if adequately cultivated and protected, can become key assets for businesses and individuals. We represent clients in virtually every field, including business & corporate finance, communications, telecom and media, health care, hospitality, travel and tourism, investment management, labor, employment and immigration, public finance and municipal government, real estate, land use and environmental, commercial/retail and online business, tax, trusts & estates and charitable organizations, using a collaborative client-centered approach across the firm in working to achieve the best outcome.
Strategic support for Partners & Collaborators
We advise clients on all aspects of IP development, ownership, and use in cooperative and tactical environments. Whether clients need assistance entering into a co-development arrangement, joint venture or partnership, we help structure agreements that clarify IP ownership and protect IP assets and opportunities. Our IP licensing and transactions team regularly drafts and negotiates co-manufacture and joint venture agreements, non-use and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) agreements, publishing and film option agreements, research and collaboration arrangements, commercialization and revenue-sharing agreements and more.
Vendor & Technology Transactions
Modern businesses depend on a complex web of technologies and tools. We help clients secure and manage vendor relationships and navigate the evolving legal landscape around digital infrastructure. Our IP licensing and transactions attorneys provide practical, risk-conscious guidance in a variety of situations including manufacturing, distribution and supply agreements, subscription and Saas (and similar) agreements, data protection and security frameworks, mobile app and privacy agreements, analytics and business intelligence tools, and of course, generative AI integration and licensing.
Mergers, Acquisitions, & IP-Driven Deals
Our IP licensing and transactions team also plays a central role in M&A and investment transactions, working closely with corporate and tax teams to help clients assess, protect and leverage IP assets. We offer support to clients throughout the full deal lifecycle, including auditing and preparing IP portfolios for transaction readiness, conducting IP due diligence and risk assessments, negotiating IP terms and conditions and coordinating post-closing integration and ensuring IP value is properly reflected and preserved in each deal.
Business Tools & Market-Facing Materials
Foster Garvey attorneys with IP and tech-transaction experience help clients standardize and scale their IP practices by developing internal and external tools that protect interests and streamline operations. Our teams create and maintain custom templates, playbooks and contract guides, licensing forms and term sheets, sweepstakes and contest rules, brand, marketing and usage policies, and IP enforcement strategies and protocols – all to help provide the necessary tools to support and augment clients’ business goals.
Whether clients are startups entering a licensing deal or corporate groups navigating cross-border IP transfers, our attorneys bring deep industry knowledge and a global perspective to every engagement. We understand that no two clients are the same, and we tailor our advice accordingly to help transform ideas into assets and assets into growth.
