Commercialization

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Before Disclosing
Invention Disclosure
Intellectual Property Protection
Commercialization

Step 6) Marketing

Marketing ImageOnce the patent is filed, marketing of the technology gets underway. With the help of the faculty/inventor, a WiSys Licensing Associate identifies companies that may be interested in the invention and proactively markets the technology to those companies.

  • A summary of the technology is written and posted on the WiSys website.
  • Other marketing materials may be developed.

Step 7) Licensing

Licensing Image

A license is a contract between the patent owner (WiSys) and a commercial partner that gives the licensee permission to make, use, sell or import the invention.

  • A license is negotiated with a potential licensee, either an existing company, or a startup.
  • Licensing revenue is returned to the inventor and the university, where it is used to support further research.

Paths to Market

There are two ways a piece of intellectual property gets out into the commercial marketplace and can start generating revenue for you and the UW System.

  • Licensing to an existing company, whereby certain rights to the intellectual property are granted to an existing company via a commercial license. Licensing is the most common avenue taken as it is often a quicker path to market and capitalizes on the resources and expertise of the existing company.
  • Formation of a new start-up company or 'spin out', where the researcher forms a new company to commercialize the invention. Depending upon the nature of the technology, forming a start-up around your intellectual property can make the most commercial sense. While it can be a daunting process, WiSys can help guide you every step of the way.

The optimal route to market often depends on the nature of the technology itself, amongst other factors.

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