Intellectual Property for Technology Companies in Austria

Much of a technology company’s value is concentrated in software, brands, data, content, know-how and contractual usage rights. It is therefore essential to establish not only that the product is innovative, but that the company actually controls the rights it needs to commercialise, license, finance or sell it.

We advise on intellectual property in product development, SaaS, AI projects, open source and content distribution.

Key areas of advice

  • Software, Source Code and Copyright
  • Employees, Freelancers and IP Assignment
  • Open-Source Compliance
  • Trademarks, Domains and Digital Identity
  • AI-Generated Content, Training Data and IP
  • Databases, Know-How and Trade Secrets

Software, Source Code and Copyright

We clarify ownership and usage rights in software and source code. Development by external agencies, freelancers, former founders or contractors should be supported by clear assignments and documentation.

Employees, Freelancers and IP Assignment

A recurring founder question is whether code automatically belongs to the company because it paid for the work. Businesses should not rely on that assumption. Contracts should address assignment, modification rights, pre-existing IP, open source and delivery of development materials.

Open-Source Compliance

Open-source software is standard in modern development, but licence obligations matter. We advise on policies, inventories, copyleft risk and notices. The objective is controlled use, not the blanket exclusion of open source.

Trademarks, Domains and Digital Identity

We advise on trademark strategy, registrations, licensing, domain disputes and enforcement. Brand clearance before international marketing or investment can avoid expensive rebranding.

AI-Generated Content, Training Data and IP

Generative AI creates questions about input rights, training data, output use and trade secrets. We review external AI tools and contracts for proprietary AI products and datasets.

Databases, Know-How and Trade Secrets

Not every valuable asset is protected by copyright. Databases, models, pricing logic, technical information and processes may need contractual, organisational and access-control protection as trade secrets.

Licensing, SaaS and Content Distribution

We draft licences for software, APIs, data and media content. Scope, territory, user metrics, sublicensing, updates, audit rights, infringement and exit should reflect the actual commercial model.