Technology Acquisition and Development Assistance
Maintaining identity confidentiality; third party licensing negotiation assistance
The Situation
A small start-up biotechnology company, UpStart Inc., with proprietary early
stage product developments, identified patented technology owned by a much
larger firm that would be beneficial to its own development program. The
larger company did not appear to be pursuing business opportunities in the
primary field of interest of the small biotechnology company.
The Challenge
UpStart wished to negotiate a license for its field of use from the larger
company. It also wanted to enter into negotiations with the larger firm without
making its interest in the technology and business direction public.
The Solution
Vertex first gathered background information about the larger biotechnology
business, including an understanding of its structure and business direction.
Then, utilizing the Licensing Executives Society network, Vertex made contact
with the large biotechnology company. Without identifying our client, UpStart,
a three-way non-disclosure agreement was developed and executed.
The Result
Upstart Inc. was able to enter into license negotiations with the large biotechnology
company, knowing that its identity and specific technology development interests
would be kept confidential. UpStart expressed their appreciation for Vertex's
professionalism and discretion as follows, "Thanks for being such an
effective third party in this situation! You were a terrific resource and
ally."
