Licensing

Robertson & Foley helps patent owners, franchisors, and other rights holders find qualified commercial partners and negotiate licensing, franchise, and distribution agreements. We apply the same proprietary private bid process we use to sell businesses and curated collections. We identify who can create the most value from the opportunity, then invite qualified prospects to compete on the terms of an agreement.

The process begins with understanding what each prospect could do with the rights. A manufacturer might use a patented technology to lower production costs or bring a new product to market. A franchise operator might have the team and local knowledge to develop a territory. A distributor might already serve the customers a product owner wants to reach. We build the case for each prospect around the commercial value it can realize.

We prepare the opportunity for market, approach selected prospects confidentially and manage the flow of information through diligence. As qualified parties come forward, we invite them to submit proposals on a common timetable. That gives the owner a basis for comparing competing offers while maintaining control over what is disclosed and when.

The economics of an agreement depend on how its terms work together. We help owners weigh upfront payments, royalties, and minimum commitments alongside exclusivity, territory, and performance obligations. A higher royalty may be less valuable than a firm minimum payment, and a broad grant of exclusive rights may carry an opportunity cost. We help the owner evaluate those tradeoffs and negotiate with finalists.

Whether you are licensing a patent, awarding franchise rights, or selecting a distributor, the choice of partner will shape what the agreement delivers over time. Our role is to bring qualified parties to the table, create competition for the opportunity, and help you reach an agreement that reflects what the rights are worth in the hands of the right partner.