Haven: "I want the rights to modify the bicycle and to invent and sell related products."
"I'm not asking for exclusive ownership. As a partner, I want you to share these patents with me."
"I have a laboratory, too. It was only set up recently, so I urgently need a project that can produce a steady output and bring in stable profits. This is very important to me."
Cyril silently sighed to himself. If only I'd known, I would've been the one to bring it up. Who starts a negotiation by laying all their cards on the table?
Across from them, Klein turned to look at Leppard. He wanted to use the opportunity to raise the price, but Leppard was the bicycle's actual inventor, and these terms would only affect him.
As Klein looked over, Leppard turned to him, his eyes pleading for help. For an inventor who wasn't good at socializing, this negotiation was like being thrown in prison.
As they silently looked at one another, Lawyer Jurgen, whom Klein had brought along, was the first to break the silence.
"I think that should work. Partnerships like this are fairly common, though a reasonable patent fee is usually charged."
Klein looked at Leppard and nodded slightly. "I have no problem with it."
"Then...I have no problem with it either." Leppard nodded hesitantly.
Before Haven could speak, Cyril interjected, "Ten percent of the net profits. Any more than that, and our investment wouldn't be proportional to our returns."
Haven looked puzzled, but said nothing.
Before they came, they had discussed giving up thirty percent of the profits, or even more, in exchange for the patents. For an inventor without any notable achievements yet, the bicycle project meant something special.
But if they could get away with paying less, that was