This document, authored by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), provides a comprehensive tutorial on technology transfer practices in U.S. colleges and universities. It begins by contextualizing technology transfer within the evolving role of universities in the knowledge-based economy, highlighting how academic institutions not only create and disseminate knowledge but also partner with the private sector to commercialize innovations. A central focus is the Bayh-Dole Act, which grants universities rights to inventions developed from federally funded research, subject to specific obligations such as patent filing, disclosure, and preference for small business licensees. The tutorial details the intricate process of technology transfer, encompassing intellectual property policy formulation, patent and copyright management, licensing strategies for various types of intellectual property (including software, multimedia, and web-based products), and trademark management.
In addition to outlining operational procedures, the document addresses the broader implications of technology transfer, such as revenue distribution from licensing activities, the integration of technology transfer into the university's educational and research missions, and the fostering of student entrepreneurship. It also delves into the management of conflicts of interest at both institutional and individual levels to preserve academic integrity, as well as considerations for student involvement and protection. Conclusively, the tutorial underscores the significant economic and societal benefits realized through university technology transfer, emphasizing that despite its complexities, a shared set of principles and best practices has enabled U.S. academic institutions to play a critical role in driving innovation, industry development, and job creation both nationally and globally.
