Welcome to the Office of Innovation
Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) provides services for Tuskegee University Innovators, from protecting intellectual property to the commercialization of discoveries through licensing and/or new enterprise development. It serves as a link between the commercial marketplace and Tuskegee University faculty. OTT offers Tuskegee University researchers expertise and guidance regarding the protection of intellectual property, including patents and copyrights, and in seeking licensing agreements with commercial entities to take Tuskegee University research developments into the marketplace for the public benefit.
Technology Transfer is led by the Vice President of Research Sponsored Programs and Innovation.
Tuskegee University Technology Transfer Process
The Office of Technology Transfer aims for efficiency and expediency in handling your inventions and innovative new ideas. Below are the steps our office takes to help you begin the journey to protecting your intellectual property.
Tuskegee University Patent Process
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STEP 1:
Visit the Tuskegee University Patent and
Trademark Resource Center
It is MANDATORY that you begin with a search of any pre-existing patents or artwork. The resource center offers support for your patents and copyright needs. Please click on the link below and contact Dr. Constance Caddell if you need assistance.
Once you have completed your search and no other pre-existing patents or artwork were found, obtain and submit documentation from Dr. Caddell that you completed the patent search.
Tuskegee University Patent
and Trademark Resource Center
Contact Information:
Dr. Constance Caddell
Phone: 334-725-2374
Email: ccaddell@tuskegee.edu
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STEP 2:
File a Disclosure
File a
Disclosure Form
immediately
if you believe
your invention has the potential to be patent protected.
IMPORTANT: It is critical to avoid public disclosure of your innovation before filing a patent application.
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STEP 3:
Present your Invention
Present your invention to the
Intellectual Property Committee
During this presentation, you will pitch your idea
or invention to the committee, attempting to convince them why TU should pursue patent protection.
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STEP 4:
Protection
The patent attorney team will file your disclosure with the United States Patent and
Trademark Office (USPTO)
Inventors work directly with TU's outside patent attorneys.
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STEP 5:
Marketing
Your contacts may be very helpful as we contact
potential licensees during the marketing process.
Non-disclosure agreements are signed to interest
company to review more detailed and unpublished
data and information and to
potentially visit your lab.
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STEP 6:
Selecting a Partner/
Business Start-up
Select a company that shows interest in the invention.
If a new business start-up has been chosen
as a commercialization path, OTT will assist
in planning, creating, and funding the start-up.
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STEP 7:
Licensing
A License agreement is a contract between TU
and a third party in which TU's rights to a technology
are licensed (without relinquishing ownership)
for financial and other consideration. Licensing is
a team approach involving
both OTT and the inventor(s).
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STEP 8:
Commercialization
The licensee continues the advancement of the
technology, and makes other business investments
to develop the product or service.
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STEP 9:
Revenue
Revenues received by TU are distributed to the University
and inventors to fund additional research and education
and to encourage further participation in innovation.
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