U of C Researchers

Technology Commercialization Process

For University of Calgary researchers, development and commercialization of a new technology or product starts with the following steps:

The Procedure

• 1. Applied or basic research generates a new technology or product
• 2. Recognition of potential commercial applicability - UTI project managers and technology analysts can assist researchers in this stage of the process.
• 3. Disclosure - Commercialization starts with a full and complete written description of the technology in UTI's Technology Disclosure form. The University’s Intellectual Property Policy requires all researchers to disclose any intent to commercialize any invention. It requires its researchers to "disclose to the University any proposed sale, license, or assignment for a fee or royalty or any other profitable exploitation of intellectual property in which the University has an economic interest. For more information about the University’s IP Policy please contact the University's Research Services Office. UTI is the University's preferred vehicle for commercialization.
• 4. Technology Assessment - The technology assessment process is an overall examination of the commercial viability of the product/technology. It examines the need and potential for intellectual property protection and the market for the product - Is there an existing need for the product? What other products are currently serving this market? Does the new product have significant advantages over these products? Can the new product compete on a cost basis? The technology assessment should provide sufficient information to make a preliminary decision on the commercial potential of the product and whether it merits further investment of time and money to pursue the next stages of commercialization. UTI strives to complete assessments within 30 days.
• 5. Engagement Agreement - The Engagement Agreement outlines the terms, conditions, obligations and interaction between UTI and the researcher.
• 6. Intellectual Property Protection - With the aid of a patent lawyer, a decision is made on the necessity, eligibility and extent of legal protection and the most appropriate method of protecting it (i.e. patent, copyright, trademark, or keeping know-how a trade secret). UTI initially pays for these out-of-pocket costs and is reimbursed by the licensee.
• 7. Commercialization Strategy - By this point, both UTI and the researcher have a feel for the market(s), some preliminary information about the nature of the market and the commercial potential of the product (both in terms of its advantages and shortcomings), as well as ball park economics for producing and marketing it. On the basis of this information, the commercialization strategy is determined.
  
  Depending on the characteristics of the product and market, the concept can be
  
  • Sold outright to an interested individual or company,
  • Licensed to a suitable company for fees and royalties, or
  • A new business can be formed explicitly to capitalize on the technology (start up).
  
  Licensing (option 'b') is the most common commercialization strategy used by UTI.
  • In a licensing situation, a company is granted certain rights for utilizing the patented technology and/or know-how in exchange for providing monetary returns to the owner.
  • Potential license candidates are sought, based on their ability to market and sell as well as manufacture the product. The best candidates are approached to determine their interest.
  • Interested candidates are asked to sign Confidential Disclosure Agreements to bind the company to confidentiality concerning the technology. This allows UTI and the inventor to provide them with the information necessary to make a thorough evaluation and decision.
  • The License Agreement is drawn up and signed by both parties (the licensing company and UTI which is acting for the inventor and the university.)
  • Final product development and test marketing by the licensee (if required) commence, often while finalization of the license is underway.
  • The license is monitored to ensure that both the licensee and the inventor are fulfilling their responsibilities as outlined in the license.
• 8. Post-Agreement Management - Our skilled project managers and technology analysts provide on-going, post-agreement management and administration of intellectual property transactions.