CloseUnderstand royalties
If you make a contribution to intellectual property (IP) we commercialise, we share any royalties we receive with you.
License intellectual property (IP)
2 MINUTE READ
A license gives permission for someone to use intellectual property (IP), usually under a license agreement. Learn about this and other types of commercialisation agreements.
A license is the permission the owner or controller of IP gives to another party. This is usually under a written license agreement.
We may license IP to more than one licensee. The license can be either non-exclusive or exclusive. Each license can cover a:
- unique field of use (application)
- duration
- geographical location.
What is a license agreement?
What is a license agreement?
A license agreement describes rights and responsibilities for the use of IP developed at the University.
University license agreements may state that the licensee must seek to:
- bring the University intellectual property (IP) into commercial use for the public good
- provide a reasonable return to the University.
Benefits of commercialising IP
Benefits of commercialising IP
As a creator, you have the satisfaction of knowing that your creations are being used for the benefit of the general public.
Other positive outcomes from the commercialisation process include:
- new and enhanced relationships with businesses, which can augment teaching, research and consulting
- more sponsored research.
If a license agreement leads to a financial return for the University, you and any co-creators may receive a share of that return.
Your role
Your role
Many licensees need help from the IP creator, at least at the early stages of development. This can range from infrequent, informal contacts to a more formal consulting relationship.
The University may license the IP you created to a start-up. Working with a start-up can require a greater time commitment, depending on:
- your role in or with the start-up
- your continuing role within the University.
Often there will be a contract for more development work by the IP creator.
Other types of commercialisation agreements
Confidentiality agreements
These are also known as 'non-disclosure agreements' or NDAs. Confidentiality agreements:
- are often used to protect confidentiality while potential licensees evaluate the IP
- protect proprietary information of third parties. University researchers may need to review information from third parties as they research opportunities.
Material transfer agreements (MTAs)
Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) describe the terms for sharing incoming and outgoing materials between the University and outside researchers.
If you do not have a proper MTA, the IP that is commercialised can be affected later.
Inter-institutional agreements (IIAs)
IIAs define who will lead the commercialisation when two or more institutions co-own IP. These are usually two universities or medical research institutes.
Option agreements
The University and prospective licensees often enter into an option agreement. This happens when the company wants to evaluate the technology and its potential for a limited time, before entering into a full license agreement.
Option clauses can be included in:
- research agreements
- research contracts with corporate research sponsors at the University.
Sponsored and collaborative research agreements
These agreements describe the terms for sponsors to give research support to the University. It's important that these agreements include clear definitions of IP ownership and commercialisation terms.
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General questions
If you have a general question or don’t know who to talk to, get in touch with us and we’ll point you in the right direction.
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Our local Business Development team members and central IP and Tech Transfer services team are here to help.
Business Development team
IP & Tech Transfer Services team