If you’ve ever had an idea for a product or service, you know the struggle of turning that idea into a reality. Whether it’s starting your own business or working for someone else, there are a lot of hurdles to jump before anything ever becomes a product or service.
What is an Invention?
An invention is an original and new development in the arts, sciences, business or technology. Inventions can be tangible objects, such as a new type of product or service, or intangible concepts, such as a new way to think about something.
Invention royalties are a form of compensation that is granted to people who have developed or patented an invention. This payment comes from the sale of the invention or its associated intellectual property (IP). Royalties are typically paid out in periodic installments over a period of time and can be based on a variety of factors, including the value of the IP involved in the sale.
There are several key things to know about invention royalties:
- Inventors typically receive royalty payments for any IP that is involved in the sale of their invention, regardless of whether that IP was actually used in the final product or not. This includes patents, copyrights, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights. InventHelp can provide guidance on how to secure all of the necessary IP rights for your invention.
- The amount of royalty payouts varies widely depending on the type and value of the IP involved in the sale. Some common rates include 2 percent to 5 percent of sales revenue for patents and 6 percent to 10 percent for copyrightable material.
- Royalty payments can also be contingent on certain performance milestones being met by the inventor(s), such as reaching specific sales targets or winning specific awards.
How Can You Calculate an Appropriate Royalty Rate?
When you create something new, you may be entitled to a royalty for your efforts. Calculating an appropriate royalty rate is important when determining whether or not you’re eligible for royalties.
Some factors that will affect your royalty rate include: the type of invention, the country in which the invention was filed, and the patent or copyright status of the invention. Here are some more things to know about calculating an appropriate royalty rate:
- Type of invention. Invention royalties can be paid based on a variety of methods, including flat rates, percentage rates, and royalties on sales (often called “sales-based”). A flat rate is usually least complicated and therefore best for simple inventions. Percentage rates are typically more complex because they take into account how much profit your product makes (based on sales). Sales-based royalties pay you based on how much money your product generates rather than how much it costs you to produce it.
- Country of inventorship. If you invent something in one country but register it in another country, you may be entitled to different royalty rates depending on where it was registered.
- Patent or copyright status of invention. In some cases, an invention may be protected by a patent or copyright (instead of just being intellectual property). The law governing patents and copyrights can vary from country to country, so make sure you understand the specific laws pertaining to your invention before claiming any rights to it.
Wrapping Up
Invention royalties are a great way to make money and they can be incredibly beneficial to your career as an inventor. If you are considering whether or not royalty agreements are right for you, here are some things to know. First, please remember that invention royalties come in different forms, so it is important to discuss the specifics of your deal with a professional attorney. Second, always keep track of where your money goes – even if you never use the patents yourself! Third, always be prepared for changes in technology or market conditions, because royalty rates may change over time. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy your royalty checks – they should represent a significant percentage of your income!
