Show all answers
Why is Microsoft licensing its research technology and other Intellectual Property (IP)?
Microsoft invests over US$7 billion annually in R & D. IP and technology licensing programs enable Microsoft to share its innovations with the IT industry and provide customers, partners and competitors access to the Microsoft IP portfolio. Companies that have taken advantage of Microsoft IP and technology licensing programs have accelerated their product development, entered new growth markets, increased their existing product value propositions, and improved interoperability of their products with other technologies.
How many IP and technology licensing deals has Microsoft done?
Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 475 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio.
What is available to license?
Are any of the technologies available for licensing at no charge?
Yes, some of our technologies can be licensed for no fee.
Does Microsoft sell IP also or just license it?
Generally, we license our IP, but there are some exceptions.
Can I use the IP I license from Microsoft on another platform like Apple or Linux?
Generally, the IP can be licensed for use on any platform, subject to the terms in your licensing agreement.
Show all answers
What types of IP does IP Ventures license?
IP Ventures licenses early-stage innovations from Microsoft Research scientists around the world. Typically, these technologies are substantial enough to base a business upon.
What is the process for licensing IP from IP Ventures?
Licensing technology from IP Ventures generally takes 3 — 12 months, which allows time for your evaluation of the technology as well as the negotiation of business terms as applicable. Please see our
licensing process.
Generally, we license IP, but there are some exceptions.
What are the payment terms?
In most cases, payment terms are flexible, but typically involve a cash up-front payment and a revenue share component. In some cases, Microsoft may accept equity in the venture as a form of payment.
Do I have access to future releases of the technology that I license?
This varies depending on the terms of the final licensing agreement. In some situations, Microsoft will continue to work on the technology and can make revisions available.
What if I run into a problem or a software bug?
In general, the evaluation period is for discovering and resolving issues if possible. Typically, we don't provide technical support, but that can vary based on the terms of the final licensing agreement.
Can I get trained on the technology?
In general, as part of the licensing agreement, we provide some technology transfer support, including training. The details are specified in the final licensing agreement.
Can I get introductions to product groups?
While this can vary with the final terms of the licensing agreement, Microsoft has several existing programs for entrepreneurs and emerging businesses.
What marketing support can Microsoft provide as part of the licensing deal?
In general, Microsoft can provide some marketing support; the level of support is specified in the final licensing agreement.
Can I transfer the license to the technology?
In general, you cannot transfer the technology license to another party, but this depends on the terms of the final licensing agreement.
Can I obtain an exclusive license for the technology?
- Exclusive, where the licensee is the only company that can use the technology.
- Third party exclusive, where the licensee and the licensor (in this case, Microsoft) are the only parties that can use the technology.
- Nonexclusive, where there are multiple parties that can license the same technology. Most of our licensing agreements are nonexclusive.
Can Microsoft compete against my product?
Generally, Microsoft will always retain some rights to the technology that you license from us. When a license offers exclusive terms, exclusivity is often limited to a particular field of use or period of time.
Show all answers
Are the terms of the agreement negotiable or are they fixed?
Some of our technologies are available with standard terms while many others have negotiable terms that can be tailored to your company's needs. You can find this information on the technology detail pages.
Can I obtain an exclusive license to the technology?
Some of our technologies are available with exclusive licensing terms; please discuss this with one of our licensing executives.
What steps do I need to go through to do a licensing transaction?
- Select an offering on this site and read the available information.
- Ensure you have signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with Microsoft.
Note: If your company does not have a current NDA with Microsoft you may request an NDA form (this link is located in each technology’s Licensing tab).
- Sign the NDA and return it to Microsoft.
- If an evaluation is available and you wish to first evaluate the technology, select Request an Evaluation (this link is located in each technology’s Licensing tab).
- Contact a licensing executive by clicking on License This Technology to submit an enquiry (this link is located in each technology’s Licensing tab).
- Engage in a technical discussion to ensure that the IP license will fit your business needs.
- Discuss the business terms to ensure that they fit licensee's business model.
- Discuss and sign a licensing agreement.
- Agreement is sent to the licensee.
- Agreement is signed.
- Licensee is invoiced.
- Deliverables are provided by Microsoft under the terms of the agreement.
How long does it take to do a transaction with Microsoft and when can I expect to have access to the technology?
As soon as you have provided us your information, completed the licensing agreement and, where appropriate, paid the invoice, the technology can be released to you.
Can we use our company's enterprise licensing agreement to license technologies from the IP catalog?
No, technologies listed in the IP catalog are not included in Microsoft volume licensing programs. The IP catalog contains cutting edge research technologies with terms and conditions and pricing models different from our mainstream products.
I am a Microsoft partner. Does that mean I qualify for special pricing?
No, each technology in the IP catalog has its own terms and conditions and pricing, which will depend on field of use, but not by partner level.
Will Microsoft buy my company?
The Microsoft IP Licensing Group offers an IP Ventures program which spins-out and licenses Microsoft Research technology to entrepreneurs and companies in order to foster innovation and new product development. Visit the
IP Ventures program page to learn more.
Every technology in the IP catalog will have a detailed description of the technology, its benefits and usage scenarios, any publicly available documentation such as published whitepapers, and a listing of the components of the licensing package. Additionally, where there is executable code, you may evaluate the technology by signing an evaluation agreement. Release of the licensed technology (e.g., specs, sample code, etc.) will occur upon signing the licensing agreement.
What type of documentation comes with the technology?
It varies by the offering. Microsoft will provide an overview and description of the technology, benefits and usage scenarios, and will strive to include other helpful documents such as frequently asked questions, user guides, and technical overviews whenever possible. Specific documentation for each offering will be identified in the IP catalog.
Will Microsoft support me after I license the technology?
Typically the technology is provided as-is, with no support other than the technical documentation available as part of the licensing package. For specific technologies, Microsoft might provide some level of user support as part of the licensing package. The IP catalog listing for a technology will indicate the level of support available.
Will Microsoft fix any bugs if they get uncovered?
No, Microsoft is not obligated to provide bug fixes for any of the technology licensed under the IP and technology licensing programs. Typically the technology is provided as-is. For technologies that include support as part of the licensing package, bug fixes are not offered unless specifically noted in the support policy.