11.   For example, countries can force patent holders to license their patents to others, like generic manufacturers.

12.   He plans to license the patents through a recently formed company in Los Angeles called Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing L.P.

13.   He says the university is likely to try licensing the patent to companies it thinks are already conducting business with similar technology.

14.   His company is also seeking to license the patent, he said.

15.   His goal is for BioSphere to license his patent.

16.   It has also licensed its patents to competitors like Phillips-Van Heusen.

17.   Meanwhile, Apple has its own improved operating system on the market, and is finally taking steps to license Mac patents to let other makers make similar machines.

18.   Microsoft since has said that its failure to disclose the patent application was inadvertent and, more important, that it will freely license the patent.

19.   Ms. Sheftel said she was hoping to license the patent.

20.   Ms. Reynolds hopes to license her patent to cosmetics companies or department stores.