Industry-Sponsored Research: Minnesota Innovation Partnerships (MN-IP)

MN-IP is a new and unique approach to the way the University of Minnesota handles intellectual property arising from research projects funded by business and industry partners. This approach eliminates the need for protracted negotiations over rights to intellectual property that may result from industry-funded research.

Companies sponsoring research at the university can pre-pay a fee and receive an exclusive worldwide license with royalties taking effect only in cases of significant commercial success. Agreements are available immediately to industry research sponsors.

Basic Information

• Involves pre-paid exclusive option fee amounting to 10 percent of sponsored research contract or $15,000, whichever is greater
• Includes option to exclusive license with pre-set terms: no annual minimums or other fees; no time limits or milestones; sponsor is free to sublicense/cross-license technology; if annual sales involving licensed IP exceed $20 million, licensee pays one percent royalty fee; no cap on royalties unless invention improves on sponsor's pre-existing product or processes
• Sponsor pays patent costs and has the benefit of driving prosecution while collaborating with the university on patent claims

For more details download our fact sheet (PDF)

 

For inquiries about MN-IP, contact Leza Besemann, technology strategy manager (612-625-8615 or besem007@umn.edu)