FAQ
FAQ
FAQ
Research
How might I, the Inventor, help with this process?
As the inventor, you can contact the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) staff to discuss your invention, and will be given guidance with respect to the disclosure, evaluation, and protection processes.
What rights do I have with respect to the research?
The Sponsored Research Agreement should specify the intellectual property (IP) rights of the sponsor. Rowan University retains ownership of the patent rights and other intellectual property rights resulting from sponsored research. However, the sponsor may have rights to obtain a license to the defined and expected outcomes of the research.
Who can contribute to the invention?
A student can contribute to an invention. Many students work on inventions at Rowan University under a wide variety of circumstances. Rowan aggressively promotes student entrepreneurism.
May university researchers transfer materials (MTA) to other researchers or receive materials from other researchers?
Yes, but it is important to document carefully the date and conditions of use so that we can determine if this use may influence the ownership and license rights of your subsequent research results. If you wish to obtain materials from outside collaborators, an incoming Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) should be completed. If you wish to send materials to an outside collaborator, an outgoing MTA should be completed for this purpose.
Disclosures
What is an invention disclosure, and why is it important?
An Invention Disclosure (ID) is a written description of your invention or development that is provided to the OTC. The ID should list all collaborating sources of support and include all of the information necessary to begin pursuing protection, marketing, and commercialization activities. The document will be treated as “University Confidential.”
When should I submit an Invention Disclosure? How do I submit one?
You should complete an Invention Disclosure whenever you feel you have discovered something unique with possible commercial value. Contact the Office of Technology Commercialization if you wish to submit an Invention Disclosure or have any questions on the process of commercialization.
What happens after an invention disclosure is submitted to the OTC?
After the invention disclosure is submitted, the OTC reviews the invention disclosure, conducts prior art searches, and analyzes the market and competitive technologies to determine the invention’s commercialization potential.
What is involved in commercial evaluation of a technology?
The evaluation process may lead to a broadening or refinement of the invention, strategic guidance on whether to focus on licensing to an existing company, or creating a new business start-up.
Patents
What is a patent?
A patent for an invention is the grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
What is the process needed to get one?
Patent protection, a common legal protection method, begins with the filing of a patent application with the U.S. Patent Office and, when appropriate, foreign patent offices.
Who owns what I create?
Ownership depends upon the employment status of the creators of the invention and their use of Rowan University’s facilities. As a general rule, Rowan University owns inventions made by its employees while acting within the scope of their employment or using Rowan University resources.
How long will it take and at what cost?
Once a patent application has been filed, it will typically require 1-5 years and tens of thousands of dollars to issue in the United States and abroad.
How will the SJTP determine whether or not to file a patent application for my invention?
The Office of Technology Commercialization is overseen by an IP Committee which is responsible for, among other things, making financial decisions. Specialists from the IP Committee will examine each invention disclosure to review the novelty of the invention, protectability and marketability of potential products or services, relationship to related intellectual property, size and growth potential of the relevant market, amount of time and money required for further development, pre-existing rights associated with the intellectual property (IP), and potential competition from other products/technologies.
Licensing
What are typical terms of a license agreement?
License agreements describe the rights and responsibilities related to the use and exploitation of intellectual property developed at Rowan. The terms of the agreement may vary with each invention.
What happens when a potential licensee is interested in a university invention?
A licensee is chosen based on its ability to commercialize the technology for the benefit of the general public.The amount of potential bidders typically depends upon the nature and protectability of the intellectual property.
What happens after an invention is licensed?
Many licensees require the active assistance of the inventor to facilitate their commercialization efforts, at least at the early stages of development. This can range from infrequent, informal contacts to a more formal consulting relationship.
What other types of agreements may be involved in this phase?
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are often used to protect the confidentiality of an invention during evaluation by potential licensees. Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), are used for incoming and outgoing materials at Rowan, are administered by the Research Office. Inter-Institutional Agreements describe the terms under which two or more institutions (generally two universities) will collaborate to assess, protect, market, license, and share in the revenues received from licensing jointly owned intellectual property. Option Agreements, or Option Clauses within research agreements, describe the conditions under which Rowan preserves the opportunity for a third party to negotiate a license for intellectual property. Research Agreements describe the terms under which sponsors provide research support to Rowan University.
Commercialization
What is the inventor’s role after the invention is licensed?
Your role can vary depending on your interest and involvement, in the interest of the licensee in utilizing your services for various assignments, and any contractual obligations related to the license or any personal agreements.
How are revenues distributed between the school and the Inventors?
Per Rowan Univeristy policy, the revenues from license fees, royalties and equity—minus any unreimbursed patenting and file expenses—are shared with the inventor(s). The percentage of distribution is found in the Rowan University Policies.
What is a conflict of interest? What should I do about potential conflicts?
A conflict of interest can occur when a Rowan employee, through a relationship with an outside organization, is in a position to: 1) influence the University’s business, research or other areas that may lead to direct or indirect financial gain, 2) adversely impact or influence one’s research or teaching responsibilities, or 3) provide improper advantage to others, to the disadvantage of the University. The best approach is to fully disclose your situation to your supervisor and discuss the implications for your job responsibilities.
What are the licensee’s ongoing obligations to the university?
Licenses typically include performance milestones that, if unmet, can result in termination of the license. This termination allows for subsequent licensing to another business.