A Introduction

10.1 Intellectual property (or ‘IP’) is a subject which is not often front of mind of parties to FPSO charters. Indeed, in the wider maritime and energy industries the subject has traditionally been an afterthought when technology and designs are developed, built and then operated. This can be problematic, as IP rights are highly relevant in the marine and energy industry and in particular in relation to FPSOs. As vessels, FPSOs are complex and are heavily reliant on advanced technologies. This requires one or both of two things: the design and generation of new IP and/or the licensing of existing third-party IP.