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A Patent knowhow licence combines two crucial elements: permission to use a patented invention and access to the practical knowledge needed to implement it effectively. Under Swiss law, this dual-purpose agreement lets companies share both their protected intellectual property and the technical expertise required to make it work.

These agreements are particularly valuable in Switzerland's precision manufacturing and biotech sectors, where complex innovations often need detailed technical guidance to succeed. The licence typically includes documentation, training protocols, and trade secrets that help the licensee fully leverage the patented technology. Swiss courts recognize and protect both the patent rights and confidential knowhow components separately.

A Patent knowhow licence becomes essential when your company needs more than just permission to use a patented technology���you need the practical knowledge to make it work. This often happens in Swiss pharmaceutical and precision engineering projects, where complex technical processes require detailed implementation guidance.

The agreement makes particular sense when entering joint ventures or technology transfer deals where success depends on mastering specialized techniques. For example, a medtech startup licensing a patented manufacturing process from an established Swiss firm needs both the legal right to use the technology and the practical expertise to implement it correctly in their facilities.

• Exclusive Patent knowhow licences grant complete rights to a single licensee in Switzerland, often including full technical documentation and training
• Non-exclusive licences allow multiple companies to use the same patent and knowhow, common in manufacturing sectors
• Field-specific licences restrict usage to particular industries or applications, popular in Swiss biotech and pharma
• Geographic licences limit implementation to specific regions or cantons while sharing full technical expertise
• Time-limited licences combine patent rights and knowhow transfer for a fixed period, often used for emerging technologies

• Patent Owners: Swiss companies or inventors who develop patented technologies and want to share both the rights and technical knowledge
• Technology Companies: Businesses seeking to implement patented innovations, particularly in precision engineering and pharmaceutical sectors
• IP Lawyers: Draft and negotiate Patent knowhow licence terms, ensuring protection of both patent rights and confidential information
• Technical Experts: Help document the knowhow components and often provide training to licensees
• R&D Departments: Evaluate and implement the licensed technology using the provided technical documentation

• Patent Details: Gather complete patent registration numbers, scope, and territorial coverage in Switzerland
• Technical Documentation: Compile detailed knowhow materials, including process descriptions, specifications, and training requirements
• Usage Scope: Define exact permitted uses, industries, and geographic limitations for the technology
• Payment Structure: Determine royalty rates, upfront fees, and any milestone payments
• Confidentiality Terms: Outline specific measures to protect the shared technical knowledge
• Implementation Plan: Create a timeline for knowledge transfer, training, and technical support

• Patent Identification: Clear description of the licensed patent(s), including registration numbers and jurisdictions
• Knowhow Definition: Detailed specification of technical information, trade secrets, and implementation methods being shared
• Usage Rights: Explicit terms about exclusivity, permitted applications, and territorial scope
• Knowledge Transfer: Specific provisions for training, documentation, and ongoing technical support
• Confidentiality Terms: Measures to protect shared technical information and trade secrets
• Financial Terms: Payment structure, royalties, and milestone payments in Swiss francs
• Term and Termination: Duration, renewal options, and grounds for early termination

A Patent knowhow licence differs significantly from a Patent assignment agreement in several key aspects. While both deal with patent rights, they serve fundamentally different purposes in Swiss intellectual property transactions.

• Ownership Transfer: A Patent assignment agreement permanently transfers ownership of the patent, while a Patent knowhow licence only grants usage rights while maintaining original ownership
• Technical Knowledge: Patent knowhow licences include detailed technical information and implementation guidance, whereas assignments typically only transfer the legal rights
• Duration: Licences are usually time-limited with specific terms for renewal, while assignments represent permanent transfers
• Ongoing Relationship: Knowhow licences create continuing obligations for technical support and knowledge sharing, but assignments generally end the relationship once the transfer is complete