Licensing Research at Utah State University

USU faculty research often results in products or processes that can be commercialized, primarily through license agreements.

A license gives permission either to an existing company or a university spin-out company to make, use, and/or sell a USU invention. Over the years, USU has licensed out numerous technologies including animal models, antennas, rocketry, breathing monitors, whey proteins, plant varieties, educational software, and more.

A license can be exclusive (only the licensee company is allowed to make and sell the technology) or non-exclusive (other licensee companies can make and sell it as well). USU continues to own the technology, and may terminate the license if the company doesn't abide by its terms, which usually include an upfront licensing fee, annual payments, and a certain percentage of sales revenue (royalties). Licenses often also include required milestones such as the company reaching a certain level of sales by a certain date, research funding, etc.

Occasionally USU will assign (that is, sell) the technology to the company outright, but a license is the more common route. Happily, USU inventors receive half of all revenues after expenses.

If your research results in something that you believe has commercial potential, disclose it to Technology Transfer Services using the link below, or simply contact TTS with questions.