THE PROCESS
Advancing your technology could mean many things, including:
- Improving the prototype,
- Making technology available to the public and/or government for the public good,
- Undertaking a joint research with other companies and organizations,
- Transferring the technology to a commercial partner.
UVic Industry Partnerships assists University of Victoria researchers and inventors with maximizing the potential of their discoveries. UVic Industry Partnerships specializes in both the commercialization of IP (transfer and protection of intellectual property) and the development of research partnerships to reach these goals. Contact UVic Industry Partnerships to discuss your discoveries and how we can assist you.
Generally, the commercialization and knowledge mobilization process can be divided into following phases:
| Phase I: Disclosure
A disclosure meeting is established to gather information about the Intellectual Property and the inventor. You may initiate contact by filling out an Detailed Invention Disclosure. For software and digital media inventions, please use the Digital Media Invention Disclosure Form. Once UIP receives your signed invention disclosure form, the disclosure enters into our assessment process. Under normal circumstances, UVic Industry Partnerships will report back to you on the results of the assessment within 90 days. |
| Phase II: Evaluation of IP
UVic Industry Partnerships will undertake a preliminary evaluation of the invention or intellectual property. If we do not believe that the invention has commercial potential, the inventor is free to independently commercialize the invention without obligation to the University. Participating in the above activities does not formally commit the inventor to partner with UVic Industry Partnerships, all discussions are confidential and there are no fees up to this point. If UVic Industry Partnershipsand the inventor are interested in partnering to pursue protection and commercialization of the IP, then we will undertake a more thorough evaluation of the potential markets, public demand, competing technology, prior-art conflicts, and commercial potential. |
| Phase III: Discussion of Objectives & Assignment
If the technology is determined to have potential benefits, UVic Industry Partnerships will work closely with the inventor to find out the most suitable types of research partnerships or commercial arrangement. We will take assignment of the technology on behalf of the University of Victoria, and a sharing arrangement will be entered into between the Inventors and UVic Industry Partnerships. |
| Phase IV: Strategy Development & Partnerhip
In this phase, UVic Industry Partnerships will work with inventor to develop a strategy that will facilitate the commercialization of the technology. There are numerous paths to commercialization. Depending on the market structure for the invention’s natural sector, UVic Industry Partnerships and you, the inventor(s), may choose to sell the technology, license the technology, start a spin-off company, or enter into research collaboration. Commercialization or partnership negotiations require flexibility and creativity from all parties to arrive at a successful and satisfactory arrangement. Factors to consider when deciding upon a commercialization strategy include: - Development stage of the IP - Qualitative and quantitative nature of the industry - The size and number of applicable markets (i.e., consumer, industrial, government, commercial, etc.) - Invention’s position within the larger product stream - The status of IP protection - The objectives and the culture of the collaboration partner Forming a commercialization or collaborative partnership is often the beginning of a long-term relationship, and different commercialization strategies entail varying degrees of time and commitment from the inventor(s). This is important to keep in mind when considering your own vision for your IP. |