Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development

Technology Transfer

Intellectual Property (IP)

Intellectual property refers to original creations such as inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, and images that can be protected from unauthorized use by others. IP also includes the physical embodiments of intellectual efforts (e.g., models, devices, machines, designs, software, etc.).  

Protection of IP - Copyrights, Patents, and Trademarks

Because IP may be of value to society, it is common to protect it.  Different types of IP require specific protections:

  • Copyright ​​protection is for original artistic or literary works.
  • Patent protection is for ideas, inventions and discoveries.
  • Trademarks protect brand names and logos used on goods and services

Works or inventions may be protected in multiple ways, depending on the nature of the work or invention and the features to be protected. This ability to have overlapping protection allows an inventor or creator to protect different aspects of their work, resulting in potentially longer and broader protection.

What is Technology Transfer?

Technology transfer is the process by which IP is turned into products and commercialized. This is typically done in two ways: through licensing protected IP to corporations, and the creation of start-up companies, which also often license the IP created by faculty.

NOTE:  Material Transfer Agreements are handled by Procurement Services

How the Office of Research can help

Complete the Invention Disclosure Form (DOC) and submit it to the Office of Research and Innovation.

Working with experts, we will evaluate the promise of your IP.

We can assist with filing for provisional or full patents, registering trademarks, or seeking copyrights.

Working with CPP Enterprises Foundation, we will assist in obtaining contracts that license your protected IP to corporate partners.  Many times, it is best to assign IP to the Foundation with an agreement that the PI's share of the profit comes back to support their scholarship.

In some cases, it makes more sense to create a start-up company to commercialize your IP.  We will work with consultants to provide the best support for the entrepreneurship that will ensue.