Trademark licensing and trademark assignment are two different concepts related to the use of trademarks.
Trademark licensing refers to granting permission to use a trademark in return for a fee or royalty, while trademark assignment refers to transferring the ownership of a trademark from one person or entity to another.
The main difference between trademark licensing and trademark assignment is that in licensing, the ownership of the trademark remains with the owner, while in assignment, the ownership of the trademark is transferred to the assignee.
In other words, trademark licensing is a temporary agreement between the licensor and licensee, while trademark assignment is a permanent transfer of ownership.
Another difference is that in trademark licensing, the licensor retains some control over the use of the trademark, such as specifying the quality standards and other terms of use.
In contrast, in trademark assignment, the assignee has complete control over the trademark, including the right to use, sell, or license it to others.
Trademark licensing can be a beneficial arrangement for both parties. The licensor can earn revenue from licensing the trademark while retaining ownership and control over its use.
The licensee, on the other hand, can benefit from using a well-known and established trademark to promote their products or services.
Trademark assignment, on the other hand, is usually undertaken when a company wants to sell or transfer its business, including its intellectual property assets.
The assignee takes over the trademark along with other assets of the company, becoming the new owner of the trademark.
In summary, the main difference between trademark licensing and trademark assignment is the ownership and control over the trademark.
Trademark licensing allows the owner to retain ownership while earning revenue from licensing fees, while trademark assignment involves a permanent transfer of ownership to the assignee.