Should you get assignment of inventions from consulting firms?

Absolutely. You do not want to end up with an issue at a later point as to ownership iof the IP. When I counsel start-ups I tell them to get invention assignment agreements from employees, consultants and any other person involved in the development of your goods/services and related intellectual property.

Answered 10 months ago by Jeffrey Berkman

Yes, I recommend that you require any consulting firms assisting you with product development to enter into assignment of invention agreements at the onset of any project. Failure to do so can cause significant problems with respect to intellectual property ownership down the road, especially if your company plans to seek angel or venture capital financing. A company seeking funding will be required to establish a clear chain of title to the company's intellectual property as part of any investor's legal due diligence investigation. You should make every effort to avoid having to chase down third parties to execute invention assignment agreements after the fact when investors are at your doorstep.

Answered 11 months ago by David Shamberger

My recommendation is yes if they are working on building out your product (or a piece of it).

Answered 11 months ago by Mary-Alice Brady