Contract templates · Confidentiality & IP
Letting another business use your brand can extend its reach, but a poorly controlled licence can weaken the mark itself. Quality control is the clause that protects the brand.
A trademark licence agreement lets a licensee use the owner's brand on specified products or services in a territory, subject to quality control, brand guidelines, royalties and reporting, with clear termination and sell-off rules.
When you need one
- Licensing a brand for merchandise or collaborations
- Franchise-style brand use
Key clauses in a Trademark Licence Agreement
These are the clauses the template includes, and what each one does for you.
Licensed marks and products
Identifies the marks and the products or services covered.
Territory and exclusivity
Sets the territory and whether the licence is exclusive.
Quality control
Gives the owner the right to approve samples and inspect quality.
Royalties and reporting
Sets royalty rates, minimums and sales reporting.
Brand guidelines
Requires use in line with brand guidelines.
Termination and sell-off
Ends the licence on breach or expiry and allows a limited sell-off period.
Common mistakes to avoid
- No quality control, which in the US can lead to a 'naked licence' and loss of rights.
- Licensing marks that are not registered in the territory.
- No audit right over royalty reports.
How to use the template
Download the Word file
Buy the Trademark Licence Agreement template on My Contract Lawyer and download the editable .docx straight after checkout.
Fill in the brackets
Add names, dates, fees, scope and governing law, and delete optional clauses that do not apply to your deal.
Check it against local law
Rules differ between US states, the UK and EU countries, especially for employment, consumer and property contracts. Have a lawyer review high-value or unusual deals.
Sign and keep a copy
Sign on paper or with any e-signature tool, and store the final version where both sides can find it.
Get the Trademark Licence Agreement template
Lawyer-drafted and ready to edit in Word, Google Docs or Pages. One-time payment of $29, no subscription, instant download from My Contract Lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Why does quality control matter?
Without it, a trademark can lose its legal protection because it no longer signals a consistent source.
Is a trademark licence a franchise?
It can be if it also includes a business system and fees; franchise rules in the US and some EU countries then apply.
Should the licence be recorded?
Recording with the trademark office is optional in many places but helps enforcement.
Related contract templates
Templates are a starting point, not legal advice, and using one does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Contract law differs between countries and states, so check the finished document against local law.