Can this agreement be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures generally satisfy the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA statutes when the signer shows intent, consents to electronic records, attribution of the signature, and the record can be retained and reproduced. Exceptions like wills or certain court filings may apply.

Do I need a notary or witnesses?

Notarization depends on jurisdiction and purpose of the document. Many states permit Remote Online Notarization with identity proofing, multi-factor authentication, and audio‑video recording retained for compliance. Some states restrict RON or require in-person acknowledgments. Confirm requirements with the applicable state notary commission.

What should insurance cover for exhibits?

Require commercial general liability, property damage, and inland marine or transit coverage during shipping. Set minimum limits, name the organizer as additional insured, require a certificate of insurance before setup, and specify procedures for claims and subrogation.

How do I protect confidential technical details?

Define confidential information explicitly, mark materials, limit access to authorized personnel, restrict photography and recording, require return or destruction at end of the exhibit, and include contractual remedies and injunctive relief for breaches.

What if an exhibitor damages the invention?

Allocate repair, replacement, and liability in the agreement. Require exhibitor insurance and indemnity; document pre-exhibit condition with photographs and checklists to support claims. Specify damage thresholds and dispute resolution to expedite reimbursement or on-site repairs.

Can electronic signatures be contested?

Yes, if execution lacks intent, consent, or reliable attribution. ESIGN and UETA set legal tests; maintain audit trails, authentication logs, and retained records to demonstrate intent. Use stronger signer authentication when exhibiting to investors or high-value demonstrations.

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Agreement for Exhibition of Unpatented Invention

Agreement for Exhibition of Unpatented Invention

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Agreement for Exhibition of Unpatented Invention to Prospective Purchaser or Licensee

Agreement made on the , between

of , hereinafter called Inventor, and

, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of , with its principal office located at

, referred to herein as Prospective Purchaser;

Whereas, Inventor represents that he has developed a prototype of (description of Invention)

hereinafter called the Invention, and that he is the absolute owner of the Invention; and

Whereas, the Invention is acknowledged by both parties to be the exclusive property of Inventor; and

Whereas, Inventor desires to exhibit the Invention to Prospective Purchaser and Prospective Purchaser desires to examine the Invention with a view to either purchasing it or a license allowing Prospective Purchaser certain rights in and to the Invention;

Now, therefore, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Exhibition of Invention

On the execution of this Agreement, Inventor shall exhibit the Invention to Prospective Purchaser at (e.g., the place of business of Prospective Purchaser)

2. Confidentiality

Prospective Purchaser will neither use any information relating to the Invention commercially, nor disclose any such information under any circumstances to any person who is not (e.g., its officer or employee)

, except as authorized by Inventor.

3. Secrecy Concerning Invention

Prospective Purchaser will use its best efforts to keep all information relating to the Invention secret. Accordingly, Prospective Purchaser will require the execution of a secrecy agreement substantially identical to this Agreement by any person to whom information relating to the Invention is disclosed, and such agreement shall be executed prior to any such disclosure.

4. No Obligation to Purchase

Prospective Purchaser will incur no obligation to purchase the Invention by execution of this Agreement.

5. Return of Materials

All materials, including the Invention, exhibited by Inventor pursuant to this Agreement shall be returned to Inventor on or before , or on demand by Inventor at any time prior to that date.

WITNESS our signatures as of the day and date first above stated.

By:

________________________________

Name and Signature of Inventor

What the Agreement for Exhibition of Unpatented Invention Is

The Agreement for Exhibition of Unpatented Invention is a written contract used when an inventor or owner permits a third party, exhibitor, or event organizer to display an invention that is not patented. It sets the exhibition period, responsibilities for transport and insurance, handling of confidential information, limitations on publicity and claims about patent status, and return or disposal instructions. The agreement also allocates liability and indemnity between parties and establishes governing law and dispute resolution. When signed electronically, ESIGN and state UETA laws typically make the agreement enforceable.

Why a Clear Exhibition Agreement Matters

A written agreement clarifies duties, reduces disputes, documents confidentiality and publicity limits, allocates insurance and liability, and creates enforceable obligations for care, return of materials, and permitted uses of images and technical information.

Who Typically Completes and Relies on This Agreement

Typical parties to this agreement include inventors, exhibition organizers, and venue operators who want clear responsibilities and liability allocation.

Inventors or patent applicants who wish to display prototypes without disclosing patent applications.
Event organizers managing booth logistics, insurance coverage, and exhibitor conduct rules.
Third-party demonstrators, manufacturers, or investors evaluating the invention under confidentiality terms.

The agreement is useful to counsel and procurement teams reviewing exhibition risk allocation and IP preservation practices.

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Agreement

Core sections of a professional Agreement for Exhibition of Unpatented Invention define scope, responsibilities, IP treatment, liability, insurance, and record-keeping obligations.

Parties

Identify owner, exhibitor, and venue with full legal names, addresses, contact persons, and authorized signatories; include corporate capacity and any agent or distributor authorized to act during the exhibition.

Exhibit Description

Describe the unpatented invention precisely: model numbers, components, serial numbers, prototypes, accompanying documentation, and whether demonstrations or hands-on access are permitted, including any restrictions on modification, power sources, or consumables used during demonstrations.

Confidentiality

Specify whether technical data, prototypes, drawings, or oral disclosures are confidential; include duration, permitted disclosures, handling, return or destruction, and remedies for unauthorized use or disclosure.

Insurance

Require minimum insurance limits, name additional insureds, specify coverages for property, general liability, and event cancellation, and explain proof of insurance timing and certificate-holder details.

Liability & Indemnity

Allocate responsibility for loss, theft, damage, and personal injury; identify indemnities for third-party claims, limits of liability, and any carve-outs for willful misconduct and insurance subrogation rights.

Return & Termination

Set exhibit end date, shipping and storage instructions, costs for return or disposal, early removal conditions, and remedies if the exhibitor breaches security or confidentiality obligations.

Step-by-Step: From Drafting to Storage

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, execute, and close the exhibition agreement with clarity on responsibilities and record retention.

01

Draft: Draft using precise exhibit and confidentiality terms.
02

Review: Have legal counsel and insurer review obligations.
03

Sign: Collect signatures and signatory authority evidence.
04

File: Store executed copies and certificates.

Typical Electronic Execution Flow

Typical routing for electronic completion includes upload, field placement, signer authentication, signing, and automated delivery of final executed documents.

Upload: Upload a PDF or DOCX of the agreement.
Place Fields: Add signature, date, and initial fields.
Authenticate: Use email code or stronger KBA as needed.
Finalize: Send executed copy to all parties and retain audit trail.

Recommended Digital Workflow Settings

Configure a digital workflow for secure completion, notarization if required, and automated certificate capture and delivery.

Workflow Field and Configuration Settings	Configuration and recommended default values
Authentication Method for Document Signers	Email link, SMS code, or KBA for high-risk exhibitions.
Signature Type and Evidence Required	Typed name, drawn signature, or PKI-based digital signature where mandated.
Notarization and Witness Requirements for Exhibits	Enable RON if legally permitted; require physical notarization otherwise.
Certificate Retention and Delivery Procedures	Retain audit trail, signed PDF, and AV recordings per retention policy.

Platform and Integration Considerations

Choose delivery methods and integrations that match your exhibit workflow, authentication needs, and archival requirements.

Document Formats: PDF, DOCX, and fillable forms supported.
Integrations: Works with Salesforce, NetSuite, and Box.
Authentication: Email, SMS, KBA, and SSO options.

Penalties and Risks from an Incorrect Agreement

Loss of Rights: Unclear assignments risk losing IP control.

Insurance Denial: Late proof may void claims.

Contract Disputes: Vague terms increase litigation risk.

Invalid Signatures: Improper eSign execution may be unenforceable.

Regulatory Penalties: Failure to follow notarization rules invites fines.

Confidentiality Breach: Unauthorized disclosure triggers damages and injunctions.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

Using vague descriptions of the invention that omit essential components or demonstration limitations, leading to post-exhibit disputes over what was agreed.
Failing to specify insurance minimums or certificate delivery dates, which can result in denied claims or last-minute exhibitor exclusions.
Not clarifying who may photograph or publicize the invention, causing intellectual property and publicity conflicts with potential licensees or investors.
Relying on improper witness or notarization methods for jurisdictionally sensitive exhibits, risking invalid acknowledgments or procedural challenges in enforcement.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Snapshot for This Agreement

Compare pricing and feature trade-offs among common eSignature providers for executing this agreement; signNow appears first in the table.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Varies
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies	Varies	Varies

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequent practical and legal questions about preparing, signing, and enforcing an Agreement for Exhibition of Unpatented Invention.

Need help? Contact support

Can this agreement be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures generally satisfy the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA statutes when the signer shows intent, consents to electronic records, attribution of the signature, and the record can be retained and reproduced. Exceptions like wills or certain court filings may apply.
Do I need a notary or witnesses?
Notarization depends on jurisdiction and purpose of the document. Many states permit Remote Online Notarization with identity proofing, multi-factor authentication, and audio‑video recording retained for compliance. Some states restrict RON or require in-person acknowledgments. Confirm requirements with the applicable state notary commission.
What should insurance cover for exhibits?
Require commercial general liability, property damage, and inland marine or transit coverage during shipping. Set minimum limits, name the organizer as additional insured, require a certificate of insurance before setup, and specify procedures for claims and subrogation.
How do I protect confidential technical details?
Define confidential information explicitly, mark materials, limit access to authorized personnel, restrict photography and recording, require return or destruction at end of the exhibit, and include contractual remedies and injunctive relief for breaches.
What if an exhibitor damages the invention?
Allocate repair, replacement, and liability in the agreement. Require exhibitor insurance and indemnity; document pre-exhibit condition with photographs and checklists to support claims. Specify damage thresholds and dispute resolution to expedite reimbursement or on-site repairs.
Can electronic signatures be contested?
Yes, if execution lacks intent, consent, or reliable attribution. ESIGN and UETA set legal tests; maintain audit trails, authentication logs, and retained records to demonstrate intent. Use stronger signer authentication when exhibiting to investors or high-value demonstrations.

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