Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Intellectual Property assignment agreement
I need an intellectual property assignment agreement to transfer all rights, title, and interest in a software codebase from an independent contractor to our company, ensuring compliance with Swiss IP laws and including clauses for confidentiality and future assistance in case of patent filings.
What is an Intellectual Property assignment agreement?
An Intellectual Property assignment agreement transfers ownership of IP rights - like patents, trademarks, or trade secrets - from one party to another. Under Swiss law, these contracts are especially important when employees create innovations during their work, as employers need clear documentation to claim ownership of inventions and other intellectual assets.
These agreements help Swiss companies protect their innovations and creative works by establishing clear ownership. They're commonly used during employment, company acquisitions, and research collaborations. The Swiss Code of Obligations requires specific terms to make these transfers legally binding, including detailed descriptions of the IP being assigned and fair compensation when required.
When should you use an Intellectual Property assignment agreement?
Use an Intellectual Property assignment agreement when bringing new talent into your Swiss company, especially for roles involving product development, research, or creative work. This protects your business from day one by clearly establishing ownership of any innovations employees create during their employment.
The agreement becomes crucial during mergers and acquisitions, technology transfers, or when working with external contractors. Swiss law requires these agreements for effective IP protection during collaborative projects, startup funding rounds, and when commercializing research from universities or research institutions. Having it in place early prevents costly ownership disputes and simplifies future technology licensing or sales.
What are the different types of Intellectual Property assignment agreement?
- Simple IP Assignment Agreement: Basic version for straightforward IP transfers, ideal for small businesses and freelance arrangements
- Assignment Of Intellectual Property Rights Agreement: Comprehensive agreement covering multiple IP types, suited for complex business transactions
- Proprietary Information And Inventions Assignment Agreement: Specialized version for employee innovations and trade secrets
- Patent Assignment Form: Focused specifically on patent transfers, common in technical industries
- IP Transfer Agreement: Broad-scope agreement for mergers and acquisitions, including future IP rights
Who should typically use an Intellectual Property assignment agreement?
- Tech Companies and Startups: Frequently use Intellectual Property assignment agreements to protect innovations and secure IP rights from employees and contractors
- Research Institutions: Require these agreements when collaborating with industry partners or commercializing discoveries
- Legal Counsel: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Swiss IP laws and protect client interests
- Inventors and Creators: Sign these agreements when working with companies or transferring their IP rights
- Corporate Executives: Implement these agreements as part of IP strategy and risk management
- Patent Attorneys: Advise on technical aspects and help register transferred IP rights with Swiss authorities
How do you write an Intellectual Property assignment agreement?
- IP Identification: List all intellectual property to be transferred, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets
- Party Details: Gather complete information about assignor and assignee, including legal names and registration numbers
- Ownership Verification: Confirm current ownership status and any existing licenses or encumbrances
- Transfer Scope: Define exact rights being transferred and any retained rights or limitations
- Compensation Terms: Document agreed payment or consideration for the IP transfer
- Timeline Planning: Set clear dates for transfer completion and any related obligations
- Swiss Requirements: Our platform ensures compliance with Swiss IP law while generating your customized agreement
What should be included in an Intellectual Property assignment agreement?
- Party Information: Full legal names, addresses, and authorized signatory details of assignor and assignee
- IP Description: Detailed identification of all intellectual property being transferred, including registration numbers
- Transfer Terms: Clear statement of rights being assigned and confirmation of transfer intent
- Consideration: Specific details of payment or other value exchanged for the IP
- Warranties: Confirmation of ownership and right to transfer without encumbrances
- Governing Law: Explicit reference to Swiss law and jurisdiction
- Execution Requirements: Date, signatures, and any needed notarization details
- Quality Assurance: Our platform automatically includes all these elements in compliance with Swiss law
What's the difference between an Intellectual Property assignment agreement and an Intellectual Property Agreement?
An Intellectual Property assignment agreement permanently transfers IP ownership from one party to another in Switzerland. In contrast, an Intellectual Property Agreement typically establishes rules for IP use, sharing, and protection without transferring ownership.
- Ownership Transfer: IP assignment agreements create a complete change in ownership, while IP agreements focus on licensing, usage rights, and confidentiality terms
- Duration: Assignments are permanent and irreversible, whereas IP agreements often have specific term limits and renewal options
- Scope of Rights: Assignment transfers all rights and control to the assignee, while IP agreements usually maintain original ownership with limited rights granted to other parties
- Legal Requirements: Under Swiss law, assignments need more formal documentation and specific transfer language than general IP agreements
- Payment Structure: Assignments typically involve one-time payments, while IP agreements often include ongoing royalties or periodic fees
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.