INVENTION COMMERCIALIZATION

Commercialization is not an easy task. It requires a clear and thorough understanding of the technologies and inventions involved, as well as a good knowledge of the market and its needs, the target groups, the regulations regarding IP rights and other aspects that make a successful deal.

 

There are many ways in which knowledge, research results and technology developed at UB can be transferred and translated into life-improving products. Transferring knowledge to other researchers, academia, industry and business stakeholders boosts the innovation process to the benefit of all parties and of society as a whole.

 

It is important to stress that income generated from these activities is used to help further research at UB and to compensate the researchers for their initiative, with the goal to stimulate innovation and the creation of new, life-improving technology.

 

The allocation of profits from commercialization is detailed in UB Intellectual Property Policy.

 

Working together with you, the CTT UB team will determine the best promotion strategy for your innovation. Usually, it’s licensing your work to a partner from the world of industry and business, whether it is a start-up or a big company.

Why licence your work?

 

Patent licensing agreements are contracts in which the owner of intellectual property/the patent grants another party the right to, to use, make and/or sell the claimed invention.

 

Our team finds potential commercialization partners through its vast network of contacts in the world of industry and business, web searches and targeted marketing. If you already have specific companies in mind, we may be able to help you get in touch.

So, why is it important to licence your work?

  • A patent license grants another party certain rights in return for a fair compensation to the University and its researchers.
  • CTT UB negotiates license agreements on a case to case basis in order to make the most of the business opportunities for all the parties involved.
  • The way from university research to creating a commercial product is often long. This is why it is so hard to determine in advance the value of an idea. A patent license agreement establishes a relationship in which both parties share the benefits and the risks.
  • The License can be exclusive (granted just to one partner) or non-exclusive (granted to multiple partners) and limited to certain fields or territories, depending on what is best for each individual case.
  • CTT UB requires that the licensees remain committed to the commercial development of the idea or that they return their license, in order to prevent competitors from blocking university research.
commercialization

What can be licensed?

 

Intellectual Property Rights usually include copyrights, patents, design rights, trademarks, and other related rights.

  • Copyright – original works of authorship/unique creations (e.g. software, book, painting)
  • Database rights – collections of data (e.g. details of clients)
  • Design rights – 3D or 2D visuals of a product or its parts (e.g. Bottle design)
  • Knowledge – know-how (e.g. recipes)
  • Patent – inventions (e.g. production process)
  • Trademarks – recognizable sign established as representing a company or product (e.g. logo).

Starting a company step by step

 

You have a great idea for a new product or service and you think there is a market for it? You aspire to become an entrepreneur and you wish to venture into the business world?

 

Depending on your idea, invention or research results, starting your company may be the best way to further develop and commercialise your work. The CTT UB team can point out for you the pros and cons of starting your company and assist you every step of the way.

With the help of technology transfer managers at CTT UB, your idea will be thoroughly assessed and its potential established. We will help you answer questions such as:

  • Who are the potential clients?
  • Is there a market for that idea?
  • Who are the competitors?
  • Are the financial risks acceptable?
  • Who will be managing the company?

Business plan

 

Starting a company usually requires significant financial investments and costs related to further research and development, personnel, equipment etc. have to be taken into account.

 

To attract investors, it is necessary to present a thorough and solid business plan. Only after investors are convinced of the quality of the proposition, the team and the financial potential, basis of the new company they will agree to come on board.

 

CTT UB is there to provide help in putting together and drafting a good business plan, that could appeal to the investors. CTT UB also organizes workshops focused on how to write a proper business plan.

 

INVESTORS/FUNDING

 

CTT UB puts at your disposal a wide range of information regarding funding sources: from subsidies and innovation grants to private investors. Together, we can explore the possibilities on a national, regional and international level.