First of all I think the book (the most recent edition as well as earlier versions) is first rate and I highly recommend it. Although the book is geared for do-it-yourself licensors, it is also terrific to help people who are looking for an attorney or who have one they are already working with. Having been a attorney focusing on intellectual property licensing for more than 30 years and teaching licensing to non-lawyer grad students, I know first hand that this book is a comprehensive albeit superficial overview of the licensing process. Despite how good the book is, it will not transform the reader into intellectual property licensing expert.

In the real world, licensing situations often become far more complicated than the impression the book provides. That is especially true when you are trying to negotiate with a large company with experienced IP lawyers. Its like trying to out negotiate a car salesman when buying a car. What the book does impart is a much greater knowledge of the overall landscape. The more you know, the better it is to work with your own lawyer to help you through the complications. People license to make money so the better the license, the more money that can be made.

Also beware that the book seems to focus mostly on patent licensing as opposed to other forms of intellectual property where the strategies and nuances are different. Again, this is only slight criticism as I did very much like the book. It is definitely a useful read for neophytes to licensing.

Joe Hustein