Universities in Canada and abroad generate of a remarkable amount of research activity and routinely produce innovative technologies or inventions that may qualify as intellectual property.
In recent years, universities have become increasingly aware of the potential value of their intellectual property. This has resulted in a need to facilitate the transfer of technology to the private sector, which may be more readily able to commercialize the invention either independently or in partnership with the university.
Technology transfer offices are a key source of advice on how to proceed after an important discovery is made. They also help raise awareness of the patent system within the university community.
The following is a list of services university tech transfer offices may provide:
Evaluating the commercial viability of innovations developed through the university
Assisting with the patent application process
Promoting the creation of spin-off companies that originate at the university
Fostering links with potential investors
Entering into licensing agreements for marketable intellectual property on behalf of the university
The tech transfer office websites below will provide further information on the services each university provides.
