Selling a Patent, Copyright, or Trademark

Patents, trademarks, and copyrights are all forms of intellectual property, and just like any other property, intellectual property can be bought, sold, inherited, or otherwise transferred.

Find out more about intellectual property basics

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Updated on: July 10, 2025
Read time: 4 min

Patents, trademarks, and copyrights are all forms of intellectual property, and just like any other property, intellectual property can be bought, sold, inherited, or otherwise transferred.

Inventors, authors, and artists may prefer to focus on creation and leave the work of licensing and monitoring to someone else. Selling intellectual property can be a great way to generate income, but it's also important to consider the consequences of choosing a one-time sale profit over the ongoing profit potential of licensing.

A patent attorney goes over paperwork with a client who is selling her patent.

Patents, trademarks, and copyrights are all forms of intellectual property, and just like any other property, intellectual property can be bought, sold, inherited, or otherwise transferred.

Inventors, authors, and artists may prefer to focus on creation and leave the work of licensing and monitoring to someone else. Selling intellectual property can be a great way to generate income, but it's also important to consider the consequences of choosing a one-time sale profit over the ongoing profit potential of licensing.

Considering selling your intellectual property? Here's what you need to know about selling the rights to that patent, trademark, or copyright.

Selling a patent

A patent indicates that the inventor (or patent owner) now has the right to exclude others from making, using, importing, selling, and offering for sale the invention for up to 20 years (the length of time that the patent is valid). Inventors should be aware that the patent itself won't generate an income for the inventor, but licensing or selling the patent rights to another person or company will. Of course, whether it's a new product or a new technology, there's no guarantee that an inventor will get rich from the invention.

Selling a patent outright can generate a lump sum of money for an inventor, but the downside is that by selling the patent, the rights to any future income are transferred to the new owner of the patent. Inventors must also consider the timing and the type of product. Say the patent is for a new technology, but it hasn't caught on yet. By selling the patent later, once the technology gets established and is at least moderately successful, the inventor can sell the patent for more money than when it was first issued.

Many inventors opt to take the licensing route because in the long run it can be more profitable. Again though, success is not guaranteed because an inventor never knows which product or technology is going to become profitable. In the case of licensing, most inventors grant an exclusive license to a single company to manufacture the product or use the technology. The inventor retains the patent rights and receives royalty checks.

Selling a trademark

Trademarks, as defined by the USPTO, protect words, names, symbols, sounds, or colors that distinguish goods and services. A trademark can be renewed in perpetuity as long as it is associated with the same goods and services. Unlike patents, trademarks are associated with a product or a business and are not sold outright. Trademark ownership can be transferred along with ownership of the business or product the trademark represents. For example, if you sell your business, you may sell the trademark rights to the logo along with it.

Trademarks may be licensed, but the owner of the trademark is responsible for ensuring that the goods or services carrying the mark meet the standards expected of the mark. If the licensor doesn't monitor the quality of the items carrying the mark, the trademark may be deemed abandoned, and therefore unenforceable.

Copyright protects the rights of authorship of literary, artistic, and musical works that have been tangibly expressed (i.e., written). A US copyright may be sold or transferred as long as the transfer is in writing and signed by the party relinquishing ownership. However, a copyright is rarely sold outright; more often it is transferred as part of a business agreement.

Musicians may assign copyright ownership to a record company in exchange for production and marketing as part of a recording contract. In "work for hire" situations, where someone is paid to produce a specific work, the hiring body (rather than the creator) usually owns the copyright of the produced work. Depending on the agreement, the author may or may not retain authorship, but gives up rights to reprint or reproduce the work, eliminating profit beyond the initial fee paid to produce the work.

Selling a work or a copy of the work usually doesn't transfer copyright. An author or artist retains copyright to a book or painting even if the item itself is sold. The purchaser may sell the specific copy he or she owns, but the author or artist retains the right to reproduce, replicate, and license the work for other uses.

In order to get exposure for their works without giving up ownership rights, authors, photographers, and artists sometimes use what is called a Creative Commons License that allows others to use the works without a fee as long as certain conditions are met.

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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

83 days ago
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Jose is the best.

Jose was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was able to answer my questions and provide me information of next steps to secure my trademark.

Cheryl Cooper
86 days ago
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The knowledge the agent possessed was…

The knowledge the agent possessed was super beneficial to rectify the situation I was having with my trademark. Very professional!

Craig Schsrfman
102 days ago
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Trademark work is great and effecient

Edit from my previous feedback and why i decided to give them 5stars they deserved: LegalZoom's support team was excellent—they addressed my concerns promptly and delivered a great outcome. I truly appreciate their help and want to give a shout-out for an outstanding customer service experience.

Trademark
101 days ago
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Thanks for being so helpful in the…

Thanks for being so helpful in the assist of getting my Trademark filed. -Patrick

Patrick Thompson
108 days ago
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Kevin was able to help me understand…

Kevin was able to help me understand the process needed for filing a trademark. He was clear in his answers and stayed on the phone to help walk through the onboarding.

Asiyah Lites-Rasheed
126 days ago
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Excellent Serviceed them for a trademark application

Used them for a trademark application. Excellent service. Knowledgeable staff. I would absolutely use them again. Probably save thousands by going through them.

Eric Hertz
153 days ago
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Estee was super helpful!

Estee helped me navigate the tricky trademark process. Highly recommend her!

Greg
153 days ago
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Very good and focused answers

I got a very good and focused answer to my trademark questions. Definitely makes me see LZ as the place to go with my legal questions. A+

Chip Humitz
157 days ago
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Help with trademark

Got exactly what I needed to register my trademark

Luci Bromberg
163 days ago
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I had a consultation with an attorney…

I had a consultation with an attorney through LegalZoom concerning the trademark process. and she was very patient and professional. She answered my questions and helped with the ones I had difficulty asking. I appreciated that

Isiah Jones ,jr.
182 days ago
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Strong support for trademark

The trademard support by Nick Belcastro has been excellent.

John Kirk Boyd
189 days ago
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Excellent service

Excellent service! Extremely knowledgeable and helpful in reviewing all the next steps in the process for filing the trademark with LegalZoom.

Brian Mayer
224 days ago
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Excellent Staff/Services

"LegalZoom made trademark filing for my company a breeze. Their system was incredibly user-friendly, and I was impressed by the professionalism of the staff. My attorney was not only knowledgeable but also took the time to answer all my questions and clearly explain the entire process. I felt confident every step of the way. I will definitely use their services again!"

Hedda
220 days ago
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Register Trademark using LegalZoom

The attorney assign to us did an amazing job by answer all our question in a friendly, timely and professional way. The attorney helps by giving us information to mange our account to register our Trademark.

wiltrey sanders
229 days ago
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Excellent experience with Legal Zoom

I have been looking to get my business trademark for a while now and I finally decided to try out Legal Zoom. I had an excellent experience with customer service ready to assist me through the process. The price is much more affordable than going through law offices. I highly recommend to anyone looking to get a trademark.

TheAlphabetshop
231 days ago
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Legally create your trademark with LegalZoom in 2025 and The Years to Come

The lawyer that assigned to me was not only professional and friendly, but patience beyond measure. All questions answered and additional information given to me as well for future services. This call gave me the reassurance I wanted and needed to continue using LegalZoom for future endeavors, and referring my community/platform to do the same.

Kali Harris
248 days ago
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Trademark Process Made Easy

My LegalZoom Trademark attorney, Asha was extremely professional, friendly and knowledgeable. She answered all my Trademark questions and made this process so easy. I felt like I was in good hands.

Virtually Debbie
255 days ago
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Trademark

Right now I use everything Legal Zoom has to offer and I'm so very happy with everything, especially the Trademark process. They were absolutely the best! Highly recommend!!

NicoleK
58 days ago
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Obtaining a Copyright

I had some questions about copyright, and he answered all of them. He was pleasant to talk to very professional. I was very pleased. I've been using legalzoom for many years, and I love you guys. Thank you.

NORINA PURRO
59 days ago
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Happy customer

Ms. Green, was very helpful in assisting me step-by-step in guiding through the process in getting my copyright application. She was patient and very polite. She offered to follow-up on my completed, make sure the process was successful.

Ayesha
65 days ago
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Superior Customer Service

Superior customer service and expertise from Patti Green. I have a urgent need for an attorney consultation regarding state level copyright law. Ms. Green quickly and seamlessly steered me to the plan which affords this service. The consult was immediately scheduled for the next day. To say the least, this experience was exemplary.

Guy Hampson
70 days ago
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Copyright registration

Karen helped me immensely during my copyright registration. Very patient. Carrie was alos very good over there.

rjparadee
114 days ago
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So far whenever I have tried to work…

So far whenever I have tried to work with Legal Zoom it has been a great experience. Both Holly and Denise have helped to make my tour of the legal process for a copyright excellent and I now have my copyright in my hands. I might add that I am amazed I got it under the oligarchy at all after doge got done.

Connie Lednum
108 days ago
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Great Copyright Registration Experience

Walked me through the process to register my copyright. Made everything quick and easy!

Cheryl C
127 days ago
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Your expertise and knowledge of my…

Your expertise and knowledge of my questions regarding my copyright I applied for was nothing less than stellar!

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154 days ago
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Time and clarity

Thank you for your time and clarity explaining items from my behalf in regards to Copyright material. I also appreciate the no queue waiting on line when I called. I do recommend you.

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162 days ago
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Elizabeth was AMAZING!!!

Elizabeth was AMAZING!!!, She walk me thru the whole copyright process. Thank you

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170 days ago
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Very responsive and was able to answer…

Very responsive and was able to answer my questions about Copyright options quickly and professionally.

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325 days ago
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Great customer service

Great customer service! The LegalZoom representative showed genuine care. She followed up on my Copyright Order, and remembered me and my name from the previous Copyright phone call. She was very helpful and represented LegalZoom with excellence. Thank you for hiring, and retaining such a talented energetic representative.

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566 days ago
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Legal Zoom Delivers On Their Promises!

Legal Zoom is professional, accommodating, and gracious. We went to them for copyright help, and true to their promise, we accomplished this endeavor in 30 minutes. EASY!! What a fresh breath of air to find a company that delivers exactly what they say they will! We'll be a Legal Zoomers for life!

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1205 days ago
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Better than "Uncle Sam"

I had to get a copyright done and got nowhere with the U.S. Government Copyright Office, it was a joke! Legal Zoom took care of it and had me "fixed up" in 5 minutes. Thank You, Legal Zoom!

Padu
1311 days ago
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Legal Zoom performance is exceptional

Legal Zoom his handled four copyright applications for me and they are exceptional.

C Robert Cales
1589 days ago
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Copyright application

I am a new author and am filing copyright for my manuscript. My experience with LegalZoom has been very successful and a pleasure. The associate was knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend this service.

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1749 days ago
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LegalZoom's Guidance is the best

I'm applying for a copyright for the first time and I was very nervous. My status page told me there was a problem and I should call LegalZoom. Kirk explained it was just a simple confirmation that was needed and he took the time to explain why its needed and talked me through what happens next. LegalZoom is just the best thing for a first time business owner like myslef.

rjlog
143 days ago
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This is my 2nd provisional patent with…

This is my 2nd provisional patent with Legal ZOOM. This time I dealt with Mak Champ he was Great, went out of his way to make it as easy as possible. Thank You

JoeSnook
169 days ago
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Great Experience with LegalZoom

My experience in submitting a Provisional Patent Application has gone very smoothly so far. Customer Service and Support was very prompt and answered all my questions very quickly. I highly recommend Legal Zoom.

Viki Mann
227 days ago
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Sandra helped me make the additional…

Sandra helped me make the additional orders on my account for the patent information. She helped me on everything I asked for. Thank you for making a difficult process much easier. thnx.

Rodney Kreinbrink
288 days ago
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Tiffany was patient,professional and thoughtfully thorough!

Tiffany was patient, professional and thoughtfully thorough in her assisting me through procedures involving my patent processing!!

Valued Customer DT
288 days ago
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Professional and Kind

Carrie was extremely helpful in answering my general questions regarding the trademark and provisional patent application process and fees. She was clear and succinct while maintaining a level of kindness and understanding of my needs. She provided the exact information I needed, saving me time and effort in researching via other routes. Thank you!

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883 days ago
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Did a provisional patent application…

Did a provisional patent application (PPA). Streamlined and professional. Very helpful if ever needed. Always a pleasure to work with.

Bill K
931 days ago
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Wes is always great to talk to

Wes is always great to talk to. He seems just as excited as we are about the next step in our patent process

Ann
933 days ago
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LegalZoom is a great resource for anyone needing legal advice and in my case patent applications.

Patrick Walker
947 days ago
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Great service

Great service, easy to understand each step in the patent journey. Wes my account manger was great and extremely helpful. I firmly recommend this service to anyone who has an invention they need protecting.

Tony Cooper
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