The Distribution of Increased Value and the Share of Loss in Trademark Licensing

Abstract

<p>In the legal relationship of a trademark license, the licensee's use can lead to changes in the trademark's value. Under the current trademark licensing system, in practice, the benefits from the appreciation in trademark value generated by the licensee are appropriated by the licensee without compensation, while the licensor bears the losses from the depreciation in trademark value caused by the licensee. These two scenarios lead to an imbalance of interests between the parties in the trademark license relationship. In theory, it is justifiable for the licensee to both receive the benefits from the appreciated value and bear the losses from its depreciation. An <em>ex post</em> profit and loss distribution mechanism can be established in legislation to resolve the issue of balancing the interests between the licensor and the licensee after the trademark's value has changed.<br></p>

商标使用许可法律关系中，被许可人的使用会导致商标价值的变动。依现行商标使用许可制度的规定，在实践中，被许可人产生的商标增值利益会由被许可人无偿占有，而许可人则承担因被许可人造成的商标价值减损损失。这两种情况会导致商标使用许可法律关系中双方当事人的利益失衡。在理论上，被许可人获得商标增值部分的利益并承担减损部分的损失有正当性。可以在立法中建立事后损益分配机制来解决商标价值发生变动后许可人和被许可人之间的利益平衡问题。