Technology Transfer Process

The process of disclosing, protecting, and commercializing a new innovation varies depending on the evaluation outcomes.

Types of Intellectual Property

Commercialization Resources

Patent Process

Types of Agreements

Disclosure and Evaluation

1

Discovery

Identify the innovation.
2

Disclosure

Disclose the innovation to Technology Transfer Services (TTS).
3

Evaluation

TTS assesses marketability and develops an intellectual property strategy and commercialization path. Evaluation takes about 12 weeks.
4

Decisions After Evaluation



Not Proceeding

The innovation lacks sufficient commercial potential.



Further Development

While it shows promise, the innovation needs additional development for commercialization or intellectual property protection.



Proceeding

The innovation shows market potential. TTS will pursue intellectual property protection and commercialization.

Intellectual Property Protection

To maximize market potential, the intellectual property associated with the innovation needs to be protected.  The primary types of intellectual property include patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.

Protection strategies vary depending on the innovation, but may include

  • Seeking domestic or international patent protection
  • Use and/or registration of trademarks
  • Marking and/or registration of copyrights
  • Establishing contractual controls through technology transfer agreements

When the innovation is a plant cultivar, USU may seek protection through plant variety protection or through a plant patent.

For a more detailed description of the patent process, see The Patent Process.

Commercialization

1

Collaboration

TTS identifies opportunities for collaboration.
2

Financing

TTS seeks and identifies funding opportunities for the innovation.
3

Commercialization

TTS works to monetize the innovation by entering into appropriate technology transfer agreements with an existing entity or a new startup company.
4

Revenue Generation and Distribution

In time, commercialization can lead to revenue generation and distribution (see USU IP Policy 4106).

For more details about the commercialization path, see Commercialization Resources.