A patent for an invention is the grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the federal agency charged with administering patent laws, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The term of a new patent is 20 years from the date on which the application for the patent was filed in the United States or, in special cases, from the date an earlier related application was filed, subject to the payment of maintenance fees. US patent grants are effective only within the US, US territories, and US possessions.
Maryland License of Rights under Patent is a legal agreement that grants permission to use, manufacture, sell, or market a patented invention within the state of Maryland. This license allows individuals or companies to exercise the rights conferred by the patent holder while adhering to certain terms and conditions. The Maryland License of Rights under Patent provides legal protection to both the patent holder and the licensee, ensuring that the patented invention is not infringed upon by others in the state. It gives the licensee the exclusive right to utilize the patented technology, preventing competitors from producing or selling identical products without authorization. There are various types of Maryland License of Rights under Patent, each tailored to specific circumstances and requirements. Some of these types include: 1. Exclusive License: This type of license gives the licensee exclusive rights to the patented invention within Maryland. It prohibits the patent holder from granting similar licenses to other parties, ensuring a monopolistic advantage for the licensee. 2. Non-Exclusive License: In contrast to an exclusive license, a non-exclusive license allows multiple licensees to utilize the patented technology simultaneously. This type of license offers more flexibility to the patent holder, who can grant licenses to multiple parties in Maryland. 3. Field-of-Use License: A field-of-use license restricts the licensee's rights to a specific field or application of the patented invention. This type of license is often utilized when the patent covers a technology that can be applied in various industries, allowing the patent holder to grant different licenses for different purposes. 4. Territorial License: A territorial license limits the geographical scope of the license to the state of Maryland. This type of license is commonly seen when the patent holder wishes to grant the rights to manufacture, use, or sell the invention only within a specific territory. 5. Compulsory License: A compulsory license is issued by the government or authorities in instances of public interest or necessity. It allows the licensee to utilize the patented invention without the consent of the patent holder, usually accompanied by mandatory royalties or fees. 6. Exclusive Field-of-Use License: This type of license combines features of both an exclusive license and a field-of-use license. It grants exclusive rights to the licensee for a specific field or application, ensuring market dominance within that particular domain in Maryland. The Maryland License of Rights under Patent is a crucial legal instrument in the state, enabling both innovation and commercialization of patented inventions while safeguarding the rights of patent holders. It serves as a mechanism to promote economic growth, encourage business development, and foster technological advancements within Maryland's boundaries.
