Commercialization Process

Technology commercialization is at the intersection of discovery, business, and intellectual property law. We partner with you throughout the entire process to determine the best commercial strategy for your technology. Use this Step by Step guide or watch this short video introduction to Technology Commercialization to get started.
 

Report Your Invention

Federal and University policy requires researchers to report (or disclose) inventions that may have commercial or public value.

Evaluate the Technology

After the invention is reported, we  will contact you to discuss your invention:

• How was it funded?
• Were collaborators involved?
• What are your plans for publicly disclosing the invention?

We will analyze the potential market for your invention, assess its patentability, and evaluate possible commercialization strategies. The evaluation process generally takes three months.

Protect the IP

We will protect the intellectual property (IP) around your invention with a patent, trademark, or copyright. During this step, we will also define the best commercialization strategy, taking into account whether to commercialize it through a license to an existing company or a University startup.

Market the Technology

We will market your protected technology to commercial partners through our licensing page, technology broker websites, technology showcases, and direct meetings with companies.

When we find a company with potential to develop it into a successful product, we will negotiate the terms of a licensing agreement.

Commercialize the Technology

The commercial partner—either an existing company or a startup—will work to turn your technology into a commercial product or service. This process can take months or years. Revenue the University receives will be distributed among University inventors, departments, and colleges according to Regents Policy.