Course Description

This introductory survey course is designed for both scientists as well as new or future technology transfer professionals. This course will be a hands-on experience and employ a “workshop” approach for internalizing the concepts presented. Specific topics will include: the history, legislation, and public policy that drive federal technology transfer (i.e., life before and after codification of the Bayh-Dole Act); the role of Technology Transfer Offices both in the Federal Government and in Universities; the major types of intellectual property; patents and patentability; the patent application process (i.e., reading patents and drafting claims); freedom to operate; patent litigation; infringement and invalidity; licensing of inventions; collaborative research; and, transactional agreements. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding and drafting the foundational documents of technology transfer. These documents include Non-Disclosure Agreements (“NDAs”); Material Transfer Agreements (“MTAs”); Data Transfer Agreements (“DUAs”); Licensing Agreements; and Collaborative Research and Development Agreements (“CRADAs”).

Learner Outcomes

• Describe what technology transfer (“T2”) is and the purpose of T2.
• Identify and distinguish between the major types of intellectual property ("IP") protection.
• Describe the patenting process from pre-filing activities to patent issuance.
• Analyze and draft the component parts of a patent application.
• Identify and distinguish between the core T2 documents.
• Analyze and draft the component parts of a License Agreement.
• Analyze and evaluate the factors needed to negotiate a fair royalty in a license agreement.

Microcredential(s)

This course applies toward the Biomedical Translation and Commercialization Endeavor digital badge.