The following is a list of the articles that appear in the March 2008 issue of Technology Transfer Tactics monthly newsletter. Subscribe now and get access to this issue as well as access to our online archive of back issues, industry research reports, sample MTAs, legal opinions, sample forms and contracts, government documents and more!

Technology Transfer Tactics,
Vol. 2, No. 3 (pp 33-48) March 2008

• Use these strategies to contain patent prosecution costs. There is no inexpensive way to go about prosecuting a patent, but at the same time, TTOs spend tens of thousands of dollars every year on late fees and other expenses they might have avoided with a better game plan on the front end of the process. That’s the word from several tech transfer officials, whose organizations have developed a collection of strategies to keep their patent prosecution costs from spiraling out of control ……… p. 33
• Revamped inventions policy adds incentives, removes disincentives for researchers. The University of Toronto’s (UT) TTO has revamped its inventions policy in hopes of jump-starting its tech transfer activities. The strategy involves dramatically increasing financial rewards for researchers and removing disincentives to using the TTO as a commercialization partner ……… p. 33
• Ohio initiative broadens definition, scope of IP bundling. The University of Akron (OH) is taking IP bundling to a whole new level, combining not just intellectual property from its own portfolio with other universities’, but bringing many tech transfer activities from other schools in the region under its wing ……… p. 34
• Cross-border technology transfer opens up big opportunities. A rapidly escalating trend toward both academic and commercial internationalization has swung the door wide open for technology transfer offices willing to invest the time and effort to penetrate overseas markets. But how do you get started, and what hurdles can you expect to encounter? ……… p. 35
• Guest Commentary: Tips for when and how to conduct an effective royalty audit. Most audits result in recoveries well in excess of audit costs and produce higher royalties going forward. Underpayments in the millions of dollars are distressingly common ……… p. 36
• Press releases a vital ingredient in your IP marketing recipe. The press release is often the vital initial ‘handshake’ from the TTO to its target audience when introducing a new technology ……… p. 44
• Prepare researchers for ‘culture shock’ of business world. When it comes to preparing scientists for the world of hard-nosed business as their innovations enter the commercialization process, short of an MBA course even the best tutelage will not adequately brace high-minded researchers for the culture shock they will experience, tech transfer experts say. But that doesn’t mean tech TTOs shouldn’t try to bridge the chasm with mentoring programs, seminars, and ongoing communication. Just don’t expect too much from your efforts, and understand that connecting scientists and investors is a bit like trying to mix oil and water ……… p. 45

Posted March 3rd, 2008 under Current Issue