Transferring Technology

Abstract

Most academic institutions require their researchers and clinicians to assign all intellectual property rights to the institution. The university technology transfer office (TTO) then becomes the clearinghouse for filing patents and granting licenses for new inventions. Navigating this process is usually fairly straightforward, with a few important caveats to note. First, it is of upmost importance that we protect the intellectual property that our research generates by disclosing discoveries to the university TTO so that they can assess the invention for patentability. Unless a patent is filed before public disclosure (e.g., publications, abstracts, public presentations at scientific meetings), the invention is no longer patentable throughout most of the world. Without patent protection, it will be impossible for a company to recoup the considerable costs of developing a new drug. Second, we must ensure that interactions with the for-profit industrial sector (e.g., consulting, holding options/stock in a company) do not interfere with our academic mission to research, mentoring and administrative university responsibilities. Managing conflicts of interest is essential to maintain an independent, unbiased environment in academia, and most institutions have clearly delineated policies. This chapter provides an introduction to intellectual property, working with university TTOs, and avoiding conflicts of interest.