What role does the inventor play in the licensing process? Does the inventor participate in the negotiating process?
The active collaboration of the inventor(s) is essential in the marketing and licensing process. They can help the associate determine the apparent value of the invention; they can proof marketing documents for accuracy; they can provide information on companies which they believe may be interested in the invention (this enables the associate to quickly identify all other companies working in the same field); they work with the patent attorney in the preparation and prosecution of the invention; they respond to companies technical questions on the invention and demonstrate its uses and advantages. However, although the inventor(s) are consulted and advised during the negotiating process, they are not usually directly involved in the negotiations.
