How The Tech Transfer Licensing Process Works

lbl.gov, Nov 14, 2005

Invent and Disclose:
1.
The transfer of technology from the Lab to industry begins with the invention of a process, technique, material, piece of equipment, or development of software.
2.The next step is for Lab researchers to disclose the invention to the Patent Department, as required by DOE Contract 98. The inventor submits a brief Disclosure and Record of Invention Form, which includes a description of the technology and a list of inventors. Disclosures are then assigned to a TTD licensing professional.

Develop Software and Disclose:
If the invention is a piece of software that has been written at the lab, there is a similar, but slightly different process. The developer first submits a brief Software Disclosure and Abstract Form to the Patent Department. This creates a record of the software development, including the names of the developers and a brief description of the software.

Assess the Invention:

A senior licensing associate, sometimes in conjunction with a patent attorney, will contact the inventor(s) to assess the technology and determine whether or not the Lab should seek patent protection. Issues that will be considered are:

1. How the invention relates to the state of the art in its field
2. The invention’s stage of development Commercial feasibility
3. Potential commercial applications
4. Level of current and potential industry interest

For More Information:

Researchers are encouraged to contact the Technology Transfer Department (TTD) to discuss any research that may have produced an invention.