Commercialization Cycle: Research to Revenues

When you believe you have discovered a novel technology or developed a useful new computer software, please submit a description of the technology to Tech Transfer using the New Technology Disclosure form. For additional information about disclosure, please visit our Disclosure page.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

• Submission to Tech Transfer should occur no less than one month prior to any public disclosure.
• Submission to Tech Transfer does NOT confer protection of the technology.

When your disclosure to Tech Transfer is complete, we will make an initial assessment to determine your protection needs and commercialization opportunities. We will work with you during this process. 

Time: In most cases, up to three months to complete.

Depending on the results of the review process, Tech Transfer will determine whether to:

• File for a patent, copyright or trademark
• Hold the work pending additional development
• Control distribution of the material or reagent in the absence of formal protection
• Close the file  

Time: Depending on the type of protection, up to several years (and may cost tens of thousands of dollars)

We achieve greater success in marketing and promoting technologies within the university’s IP portfolio by working together. Many times our most successful leads come from the inventor's industry contacts who serve as internal champions within their own companies and organizations.  

Time: 1 month to several years

In cases where multiple companies are interested in the technology, Tech Transfer will identify the most appropriate licensing partner(s). We consider a potential partner’s overall ability to:

• Commercialize the technology
• Obtain or provide funding to support development of the technology
• Benefit the local economy

Other factors include prior and ongoing relationships with the potential partner(s), your willingness and ability to work with the potential partner(s), and the ability of the partner(s) to accept license terms required by RFSUNY and UB.

Though it is always Tech Transfer's preference to work with established companies, there are cases where creation of a new business start-up may be the best or only option for near-term commercialization activities.  In such cases, Tech Transfer may assist in planning and creating the start-up.

Tech Transfer works on behalf of the university and SUNY RF to negotiate favorable option and license agreements with third parties.   Each license agreement is unique, but common elements include licensing fees, patent reimbursements, royalties, and commercialization milestones.

Time: several months to a year or more

UB technologies licensed by third parties often require further research and development prior to the launch of a new product or service.  In some cases, you may have the opportunity to participate in this process through research and/or consulting activities.

Time: several months to several years or more depending on the need for regulatory approvals

Revenues generated from the licensing and commercialization of UB technologies are paid back to the inventor(s) and university according to the Royalty Distribution Policy.  This income further fuels research and development programs at UB and may lead to future technologies and software.