The North Carolina Assignment of Rights Under Patent Application and Patents That May Be Issued is a legal document that outlines the transfer of ownership of patent rights from one party to another within the state of North Carolina. This assignment is crucial when an inventor or patent holder wants to sell, license, or transfer their patent rights to another individual, organization, or company. In North Carolina, there are different types of Assignment of Rights Under Patent Application and Patents That May Be Issued. These include: 1. Voluntary Assignment: This occurs when the patent holder willingly transfers their patent rights to another party. It can be a result of various agreements such as sales, mergers, acquisitions, or licensing contracts. The assignment ensures that the new owner gains all legal rights and benefits associated with the patent. 2. Involuntary Assignment: Sometimes, patent rights can be involuntarily transferred due to legal actions, bankruptcy, or court orders. This type of assignment typically occurs when there are disputes over ownership, infringement claims, or court settlements. The assignment ensures that the rightful owner of the patent is legally recognized. 3. Partial Assignment: In certain cases, the patent holder may choose to assign only a portion of their patent rights to another entity while retaining some rights for themselves. This type of assignment is often seen in licensing agreements, where the patent holder grants permission for others to use their intellectual property within specific boundaries. 4. Exclusive Assignment: An exclusive assignment grants the new owner complete control and exclusivity over the patent rights. This means that the patent holder cannot license, sell, or use their invention in any way without the consent of the assignee. It is a common practice when a patent holder sells their patent outright to a company or individual. It is crucial for parties involved in a North Carolina Assignment of Rights Under Patent Application and Patents That May Be Issued to carefully review and understand the terms and conditions mentioned in the agreement. They should seek legal counsel to ensure compliance with North Carolina state laws and to protect their rights as inventors or patent holders.