3. How can you contract out of the legal co-ownership system?

As shown in the previous step, the legal regime governing co-ownership of patents can be unwieldy, complex and sometimes incomplete.

For example, there are no rules governing the payment of patent quotas, the appointment of a representative or the rules applicable to the management and monitoring of filing procedures, all of which run the risk of forfeiture of title for non-payment of annuities.

It is therefore advisable, wherever possible, to set up a system of co-ownership that sets out the management procedures for the title and any extensions to it, as well as the rights and obligations of each co-owner.

In R&D research projects, it is highly advisable to define the principles of this regulation at the outset of the negotiations: this will provide a framework and security for the protection of future patent(s)....