For smaller companies and those with technology needs from outside their normal field of operations, finding an appropriate licensor can be problematic.

Relevant sources of trade information are the main target. These include :

• The Internet
• Electronic Data bases
• Trade directories,
• Trade Journals
• Trade Associations
• Trade Shows
• Retail and Wholesale outlets
• Industry Consultants - especially recently retired employees with extensive contacts
• Licensing Consultants and Technology Brokers
• Government trade and industry departments
• Embassy Commercial Sections
• Chambers of Commerce
• Patent databases
• Technical Journals
• Licensing Associations - such as LESI
• Licensing opportunity journals
• Newspaper and other journal databases (eg Reuters)
• Personal contacts
• Market Research companies
• Public, University and Trade Association Libraries
• Relevant University departments
• If appropriate University Licensing Associations - AURIL(UK), AUTM(US) (see later for details).

The value of telephone interviews with company employees working in the relevant industry which seek to elicit general market knowledge (rather than confidential or sensitive information) should not be underestimated. Employees are in most cases unusually willing to talk about the industry they spend most of their lives dealing with if only they are asked.

Once located detailed information is required about potential licensors

In general this will be financial information generally obtainable from trade directories, official company registration offices and credit rating agencies. However information will also be needed on general licensing conditions and royalty rates prevailing in the industry concerned.