Efforts are focused on developing intellectual property that can be licensed to other manufacturers. This model, therefore, relies not on the realization and utilization of knowledge in the form of products, but attempts to transform these intangible goods into money. This allows a company to focus on research and development. It also allows the provision of knowledge, which would otherwise be left unused and potentially be valuable to third parties.
How they do it: BASF licenses certain patent portfolios to partners, e.g. in the area of battery technology.
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How they do it: Bayer licensing agreements can range from very comprehensive approaches and multiple assets to focused single asset options in early or later stages of the drug development process. This also includes research alliances under very comprehensive licensing agreements with academic institutes and research centers, whose technologies complement Bayer’s own expertise in our core research areas.
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How they do it: Ford uses its iconic blue oval logo to license its use to other product areas besides cars and has build a substantial amount of revenue in this area. Licensees include categories such as aftermarket stores, dealers, merchandise, toys or video games. However the intention behind it is not only to generate additional revenue but also to widen the reach of the brand and ”bring the brand where the consumer is” (e.g. convenient stores).
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How they do it: SAP enables customers to license its software products and offerings in a variety of ways. These include for instance perpetual, subscription-based, or consumption-based licenses. This flexibility allows SAP to serve a group of customers with heterogenous customer needs.
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How they do it: Max Havelaar’s fair trade license shows consumers that the products with the Max Havelaar logo have been approved by the foundation and its partner members. Producers can apply with the foundation to become a licensee by filing an application and adhering to standards set forth in a licensing agreement. In addition they pay a license fee to the foundation and admit to regular audit processes.
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