Licensing patents, technical know-how and software

With VTT’s extensive patent portfolio, software licenses and trade secrets, you get to utilise novel technologies that accelerate your product development, reduce costs and create a competitive advantage.
What are intellectual property rights?
Intellectual property rights, or IPR, are legal protection rights granted to individuals or organisations for their creative or inventive works. IPR gives the creator exclusive rights to control and benefit from their creations or inventions.
VTT offers its customers three main types of intellectual property rights:
- Patents
- Trade secrets (technical know-how)
- Software

The benefits of licensing and buying intellectual property rights

Licensing or buying patents and software creates a competitive advantage and unlocks new business opportunities for your company. Patented innovations and discoveries expand product offerings and shorten the time-to-market of new products and technologies. Licensing and buying intellectual property rights also minimises the risk of your investment.
Patents also enable you to attain a competitive advantage by enhancing your company’s reputation and market positioning, differentiating you from competitors.
Why license patents from VTT?
VTT works to promote the wide-ranging utilisation and commercialisation of research and technology in commerce and society. As one of Europe’s leading research institutions, our research, development and inventions span everything from carbon-neutral solutions to sustainable products and materials through to innovative digital technologies.
There are various good reasons to license patents from VTT:
- Our strong patents ensure a more secure position in the marketplace. They are highly enforceable and hard to infringe. Our carefully maintained patent portfolio includes novel technologies with strong market relevance.
- To ensure you get the most out of our IPR portfolio, we offer all our patents for licensing. Some patents are also available for purchase at market price.
- We have decades of expertise in every aspect of the licensing process. From establishing strong patents to choosing the terms that best suit your needs, we know how to achieve the best possible results.
- Throughout the licensing process, you will be supported, guided and consulted by our extensive network of experts. This way you derive the maximum benefit from your investment.
Our offering
In addition to offering IPR assets as a part of project co-operation, VTT also licenses rights to patents and offers transfer of technology and technical know-how.
Our multidisciplinary IP portfolio covers all our research areas and several industry sectors:
- Nearly 2,000 patents or patent applications in over 400 patent families
- Software
- Trade secrets (technical know-how) such as manufacturing processes or formulas or other documented and verified expertise.
The most significant technology areas of our IP portfolio are health technologies, quantum technologies, process simulation software, spectroscopy, optics and biotechnology.
We have compiled our patent families into comprehensive packages. These include the patent licenses as well as documented expertise or support from the team that developed the technology. This approach empowers you to further develop the patented technology and effectively bring it to the market.

Some of our patents available for purchase
The One-Way Window, patent available for purchase, revolutionizes glasses with a unique privacy feature. Users can effortlessly switch between clear views and privacy, no need for curtains hindering the view. It's an energy-efficient solution, blocking, day and night. Join the window revolution now!
- WO2022090619 DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING VISIBILITY (Technical readiness level 6)

Introducing the Active Privacy Filter: revolutionary patents now available for purchase. A built-in, crystal-clear, state-of-the-art active privacy filter that makes any screen private. The viewing angle can be adjusted across a wide range. When the filter is off, the screen can be viewed without angle limitations. Don't miss this opportunity for new market penetration and rapid product development.
- WO2022090614 OPTICAL ARRANGEMENT FOR PROVIDING PRIVACY (Technical readiness level 6)
- WO2022090615 DISPLAY WHICH HAS A SELECTABLE VIEWING SECTOR
Case Wellpro
Health and wellbeing technology company Wellpro licensed the BitHabit platform from VTT. Find out how it enabled them to enter the market quickly.

FAQ
What is VTT?
VTT is one of Europe’s leading research institutions, owned by the Finnish state. Our special duty as an independent and impartial research centre is to promote the wide-ranging utilisation and commercialisation of research and technology in commerce and society. We bring together people, business, science and technology to solve the biggest challenges of our time. Find out more about VTT here.
Many of Finland's most prominent technology startups have originated from VTT. VTT LaunchPad supports research teams in developing VTT-owned IPR into financially viable startups that are geared towards international growth. The goal is to bring potential companies close to the customer as early as possible, so that the startups we develop genuinely respond to customer needs. If you want to know more about our startup activities, read more about the VTT LaunchPad incubator here.
How can I get VTT’s IPR assets?
There are two ways to get IPR assets from VTT:
1. Part of project co-operation. When commissioning a project from VTT, you are automatically entitled to the patent licenses needed to utilise the results of the project.
2. Licensing or technology transfer. You can license or purchase rights to existing patents and other IP assets at market value.
What rights do I get when purchasing IPR from VTT?
We license both non-exclusively and exclusively. However, we prefer non-exclusive licenses as they allow companies and society to rapidly and extensively benefit from scientific and technological achievements.
VTT’s patent offering is subject to the terms and conditions required of public research and technology organisations.
What are the pricing principles of VTT’s IPR?
Our IPR portfolio is subject to the terms and conditions imposed on public sector research and technology organisations. Consequently, all our products are priced at market value.
Each licensing case is unique and therefore priced individually. We offer different payment modalities ranging from an upfront lump sum to proportional royalties with minimum annual fees.
What are VTT’s licensing terms?
Our licensing terms depend on several factors such as the field of use, the product or service covered, the geographical coverage of the patents, whether exclusive or non-exclusive rights are granted, and the duration of the patents. Thus, the terms are negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
What to look out for when licensing IPR?
Start by analysing your business needs and planning your targets. Make sure you have a clear scope, field of application and geographical area in mind.
Then, find an established, reputable IP rights owner. Ensure the patent you are licensing is strong and enforceable. Ensure the licensing terms suit your unique business needs.
When licensing with VTT, you’ll get a knowledgeable and reliable innovation partner. We are driven by our core mission of developing sustainable solutions for our customers, enabling them to gain a competitive advantage and foster new business opportunities.
We have decades of experience in establishing strong patents and licensing our IPR. We take pride in supporting you throughout the licensing process so that you can gain the maximum return on your investments.

How to work with us:
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Get in touch!
If you would like to accelerate your product development and achieve cost-savings, contact us! Together, we will find the relevant products in our IPR portfolio.
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Co-operation, licensing or technology transfer?
Based on your business needs, we will determine the approach that guarantees you the maximum return on your investment.
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Licensing and transfer of IP assets
Once the terms of licensing or purchase have been agreed on, we will transfer you the IP rights. Should you need support after the purchase, we are here to help you.