Office of Commercialization and Industry Engagement

Intellectual Property Transfer Agreements

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Our Process for IP Assignment
 

Intellectual Property Transfer Agreements (IPTA) are used when the original owner of IP decides to transfer (i.e. assign) that IP to another party. Generally speaking, Dalhousie operates on a creator-owned IP practice. As a result, researchers usually own the IP they generate unless they transfer or grant rights to either a third party or Dalhousie to fulfill a contractual obligation. If there’s an interest to commercialize the technology with Dalhousie, the OCIE will manage the associated IP protection (usually patenting), licensing, and commercialization activity. 

Please note: The OCIE evaluates all disclosed technology for commercial potential, protectability, and other factors. If we believe we can add value in the management of the technology moving forward, and the inventor(s) agrees, only then will an IPTA be requested.

Standard IPTA

The standard IPTA transfers ownership of the IP to Dalhousie. Any revenue generated from that IP will first go toward covering its commercialization costs, while remaining revenue is split 50/50 between the university and the inventor(s). The university re-invests its half into OCIE’s patent and legal fund, which then supports the next opportunity for patenting, licensing and commercialization within the Dalhousie research community.

IPTA for Spin-off Companies

The IPTA for spin-off companies is designed for inventors who intend to create their own company but require commercialization support from Dalhousie for their IP first (e.g. IP protection, commercialization funding sources, and other commercialization advice). Upon termination of the spin-off IPTA and the recovery of direct costs, the IP can be reassigned to the inventors in exchange for 2% equity in the spin-off company and a “pinky swear” promise to pay it forward. If there’s a successful liquidity event, the university re-invests this value back into OCIE’s patent legal fund.

*An OCIE Manager will assist in navigating the process associated with IPTAs.