Technology Transfer Tactics » Audioconferences

Stretch Your TTO’s Budget: Tap Into Industry Resources and Partnerships

Marie Powers — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:34:29 +0000

TTO budgets are notoriously skimpy — and economic conditions haven’t helped, to say the least. Many offices are struggling to operate effectively with fewer resources, and cost-cutting has gotten its fair share of attention by most. But there is another way to stretch your TTO budget that takes the opposite approach: adding resources and dollars from industry collaborators. The fact is that, even without specific IP, many well-heeled companies want to be on your speed dial and develop relationships with the university, hoping to be first in line for critical new technologies and anxious to get a glimpse at what’s going on behind the laboratory doors. For cash-strapped TTOs, these companies can be a wellspring of needed resources and funds beyond the typical licensee or sponsored research relationship. What’s more, these relationships often lead directly to future licensing deals, bringing even more benefit to your tech transfer program.

To help you tap into these industry resources and funds, Technology Transfer Tactics’ Distance Learning Division has partnered with a TTO executive who has made it his mission to offset tight money constraints by forging corporate partnerships and utilizing industry funding to further the office’s aims and bolster its budget. Mike Rondelli, Director of Technology Transfer and Commercialization, has successfully led San Diego State University’s TTO to consistent high performance in the ratio of research dollars spent to licensing revenues earned. Find out how SDSU’s secrets of success by joining us on April 8th for Stretch Your TTO’s Budget: Tap Into Industry Resources and Partnerships, a 90-minute distance learning event that will offer first-hand advice on how to offset tight budget constraints by forging partnerships, utilizing industry resources, and more. CLICK HERE for full details or to register.

PLUS, coming March 30th: The Bilski Decision: Expert Strategies to Manage Its Impact on University IP

Don’t miss next week’s audioconference: Tech Transfer Marketing on a Shoestring

Marie Powers — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:05:04 +0000

There’s less than a week left to register for Tech Transfer Marketing on a Shoestring: Guerilla Tactics in a Budget-Cut World. Join Jamie Hall (University of British Columbia), Brandon Reynolds (University of Texas at Tyler), and Dee Anderson (Brigham Young University) on Tuesday, March 9th for this invigorating 90-minute audioconference where you’ll discover a treasure trove of inventive, clever, out-of-the-box ideas to move your innovations to market without busting your budget. Here’s what our expert marketing team will cover during the program:

Low cost and no-cost strategies for branding your TTO
Going guerrilla: It’s the little things that count
Best practices for web-based marketing:
- Social media
- E-mail strategies
- Video clips and instructional videos
- Online listings, and more
How to engage faculty in your marketing efforts
Internal and external PR efforts that work wonders
Marketing collaborations with other universities
Avoid these resource-draining no-cost efforts — they’re just not worth it!
Leveraging campus resources such as MBA programs, entrepreneur-in-residence, etc. as partners in your marketing push
Web analytics: They’re not just for gauging campaign results anymore. We’ll review a case study from the U of British Columbia that saved the TTO thousands of dollars and resources
Platform marketing vs piecemeal strategy: which is best?
How to engage web-savvy VCs and Angels

This how-to session also features an optional 30-minute add-on web forum for idea sharing. For complete details and to register, CLICK HERE.

The upcoming distance learning schedule also features:

The Bilski Decision: Expert Strategies to Manage Its Impact on University IP

Marie Powers — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:09:07 +0000

The U.S. Supreme Court’s highly anticipated ruling in the Bilski case has the potential to alter the landscape for business method patents and send shockwaves through the tech transfer community. For TTOs, it’s critical to prepare now and determine your patent portfolio’s exposure to Bilski-related turmoil, decide how vigorously you want to defend affected patents, if at all, and explore alternatives for protecting relevant IP. That’s why our Distance Learning Division has teamed with three university IP experts for a 90-minute audioconference focused on the practical steps and strategies you can take now to prepare for the fall-out — and minimize any negative impact on IP in development, already-patented innovations, pending applications, and existing license agreements. Don’t miss The Bilski Decision: Expert Strategies to Manage Its Impact on University IP, coming March 30th. To register or get full program and faculty information, CLICK HERE.

Also coming in March:

Tuesday, March 9: Tech Transfer Marketing on a Shoestring: Guerilla Tactics in a Budget-Cut World

Distance learning events for IP and tech transfer professionals

Marie Powers — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:57:45 +0000

Three outstanding distance learning events filled with practical strategies and how-to guidance on are coming soon, starting with next week’s session on market research best practices. Click on any of the titles below for complete details and to register:

Get patent prosecution costs under control

Marie Powers — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:51:08 +0000

Rave reviews are coming in from IP and tech transfer professionals who attended one of our most popular distance learning events of the year on Tuesday, and took away dozens of proven ideas and strategies for slashing unnecessary cost out of their patent budgets. Even if you missed the live event, Patent Prosecution: Best Practices for Reducing Costs While Improving Patent Quality, you can still get the cost-cutting tactics provided by two veteran IP attorneys, plus all handout materials, in the recorded CD, MP3, or print transcript version of the session. CLICK HERE for complete details or to order.

And don’t miss these outstanding upcoming sessions:

Performing Market Research Studies: Testing the Waters to De-Risk Your IP Investments — Wednesday, February 24
Tech Transfer Marketing on a Shoestring: Guerilla Tactics in a Budget-Cut World — Tuesday, March 9
The Bilski Decision: Expert Strategies to Manage Its Impact on University IP — Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Assess Bilski case’s impact on your portfolio, and take steps now to protect your IP

Marie Powers — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:30:43 +0000

The U.S. Supreme Court’s highly anticipated ruling in the Bilski case has the potential to alter the landscape for business method patents and send shockwaves through the tech transfer community. Though no one can predict for certain the outcome, many observers believe the days of business method patents are numbered. For TTOs, it’s critical to prepare now and determine your patent portfolio’s exposure to Bilski-related turmoil, decide how vigorously you want to defend affected patents, if at all, and explore alternatives for protecting relevant IP. That’s why our Distance Learning Division has teamed with three university IP experts for a 90-minute audioconference focused on the practical steps and strategies you can take now to prepare for the fall-out — and minimize any negative impact on IP in development, already-patented innovations, pending applications, and existing license agreements. Our panel will cover the Bilski decision’s implications for every step of the commercialization and patenting process and deliver crucial guidance for tech transfer, licensing, and legal professionals Don’t miss The Bilski Decision: Expert Strategies to Manage Its Impact on University IP, coming March 30th. To register or get full program and faculty information, CLICK HERE.

Also coming soon:

Patent Prosecution: Best Practices for Reducing Costs While Improving Patent Quality — Next Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Performing Market Research Studies: Testing the Waters to De-Risk Your IP Investments — Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tech Transfer Marketing on a Shoestring: Guerilla Tactics in a Budget-Cut World — Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Audioconferences to offer IP marketing best practices

Marie Powers — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:28:22 +0000

Two upcoming distance learning events will offer a wealth of best practices for IP marketers and tech transfer professionals:

Performing Market Research Studies: Testing the Waters to De-Risk Your IP Investments, on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, features a high-powered roundtable of four marketing pros and an IP attorney, who’ll focus on improving triage using market research tools and strategies. CLICK HERE for full faculty and program details.
Tech Transfer Marketing on a Shoestring: Guerilla Tactics in a Budget-Cut World, on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, will deliver a treasure trove of inventive, clever, out-of-the-box ideas to move your innovations to market without busting your budget, and also features a 30-minute idea-sharing add-on session. CLICK HERE for complete information and to register.

PLUS, don’t miss:

IN TWO WEEKS, Tuesday, February 9: Patent Prosecution: Best Practices for Reducing Costs While Improving Patent Quality.

Four distance learning events on tap for IP and tech transfer professionals

Marie Powers — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:35:02 +0000

Our Distance Learning Division has lined up four practical audioconference events over the coming weeks, each one filled with real-world strategies and take-aways. Click on the titles below for complete faculty and program details or to register, and CLICK HERE for information on getting discounted rates using our customized Distance Learning Subscription program.

“Shrink Wrap” Your University’s Technologies for Industry: Packaging Your Innovations to Minimize Corporate Risk and Extract Optimum Licensing Value - Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Patent Prosecution: Best Practices for Reducing Costs While Improving Patent Quality - Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Performing Market Research Studies: Testing the Waters to De-Risk Your IP Investments - Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tech Transfer Marketing on a Shoestring: Guerilla Tactics in a Budget-Cut World - Tuesday, March 9, 2010

“Shrink wrap” your university’s technologies to attract licensees

Marie Powers — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:08:25 +0000

Find out how to meet and exceed corporate expectations and de-risk your IP for a faster, smoother and more lucrative deal by attending “Shrink Wrap” Your University’s Technologies for Industry: Packaging Your Innovations to Minimize Corporate Risk and Extract Optimum Licensing Value, a unique distance learning event scheduled for January 27th. Innovation and licensing expert Nick Webb will reveal:

How to incorporate a “stage gate” process into your innovation launch procedures.
What analytical tools you should be using when evaluating an innovation … and which ones to avoid.
How to “shrink wrap” your technologies for a quick and profitable transfer.
A step-by-step process for creating compelling technology offering memorandums.
How to avoid the five “deal killers” when negotiating your technology licenses.
How to use technology “dovetailing” to optimize the value of your IP.

This 90-minute audio program will bring you critical new insights into the corporate licencee’s decision-making process. For complete details and to register, CLICK HERE.

Also coming soon:

Patent Prosecution: Best Practices for Reducing Costs While Improving Patent Quality - Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tech Transfer Marketing on a Shoestring: Guerilla Tactics in a Budget-Cut World - Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Tech Transfer Marketing on a Shoestring: Guerilla Tactics in a Budget-Cut World

Marie Powers — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:50:44 +0000

Tech transfer professionals charged with the task of marketing their IP to licensees have a tough challenge, often operating without a dedicated marketing professionals or even a formal marketing budget. Getting the word out, and generating high-quality leads and ultimately deals, requires creative tactics and resourceful determination. To help you meet that challenge and tap into existing or low-cost tools and strategies, our Distance Learning Division has recruited three tech transfer marketing veterans who have been in the same boat - and made it float. They’ve learned how to do more with less, using “guerrilla” techniques that bring in licensees without spending a fortune on glitzy marketing bells and whistles. They’ll share those techniques in a practical, how-to audioconference: Tech Transfer Marketing on a Shoestring: Guerilla Tactics in a Budget-Cut World, scheduled for Tuesday, March 9 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. The session also includes an optional 30-minute add-on web forum for idea-sharing, which is free to the first 20 registrants. You’ll join Melba Kurman (Cornell Center for Technology Enterprise and Commercialization), Jamie Hall (University of British Columbia) and Brandon Reynolds (University of Texas at Tyler) for an invigorating 90-minute presentation featuring a treasure trove of inventive, clever, out-of-the-box ideas to move your innovations to market without busting your budget. CLICK HERE for complete details and to enroll.

And don’t miss these upcoming events - click on the titles for more information:

Successful Outsourcing for Tech Transfer Organizations - TOMORROW, January 6.
“Shrink Wrap” Your University’s Technologies for Industry: Packaging Your Innovations to Minimize Corporate Risk and Extract Optimum Licensing Value - Wednesday, January 27
Patent Prosecution: Best Practices for Reducing Costs While Improving Patent Quality - Tuesday, February 9, 2010

One week left to register: Successful Outsourcing for Tech Transfer Organizations

Marie Powers — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:34:03 +0000

On Wednesday, January 6, our distance learning division presents Successful Outsourcing for Tech Transfer Organizations. This detailed session will focus on how to implement an effective outsourcing strategy to reduce your backlog of invention files, get more deals done, and boost faculty relations. A case study of Texas Tech University’s outsourcing experience will provide valuable takeaways and lessons learned. CLICK HERE for full details.

Also coming soon:

Attorneys to reveal strategies for slashing patent prosecution costs

Marie Powers — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:58:31 +0000

Getting more out of your patent budget is more critical than ever in the current economic climate. And though these costs may seem largely outside your control, there are dozens of specific strategies you can adopt to significantly reduce your legal bills while improving overall patent quality. Technology Transfer Tactics’ Distance Learning Division has secured two top patent attorneys with numerous TTO clients to guide your efforts and stretch the dollars you spend on patent research, applications, filings and prosecution. On February 9, 2010, join Jean Baker, PhD, JD, head of the Intellectual Property Group at Quarles & Brady, and Jack Cook, JD, leader of the firm’s Research Institutions-Industry Team, for Patent Prosecution: Best Practices for Reducing Costs While Improving Patent Quality. They’ll provide cost-saving insights gained from years of working closely with and advising TTOs worldwide, with a singular focus on getting more out of your legal team, spending less, and enhancing patent quality even as billings decline. CLICK HERE for details and to register.

And don’t miss these outstanding audioprograms coming in January:

Learn how to “shrink wrap” university technologies for licensees

Marie Powers — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:33:19 +0000

On January 27, serial inventor and innovation expert Nicholas Webb will headline a distance learning event you won’t want to miss: “Shrink Wrap” Your University’s Technologies for Industry: Packaging Your Innovations to Minimize Corporate Risk and Extract Optimum Licensing Value. He’ll show participants how to present IP with a solid, in-depth market analysis and adopt proven analytical methods used by corporations to identify and plug any holes that could affect valuation. Attendees will gain unique insights into how to meet and exceed corporate expectations, and de-risk IP for a faster, smoother and more lucrative deal. CLICK HERE for full details.

Also, join us on January 6 for Successful Outsourcing for Tech Transfer Organizations. Our expert faculty will focus on how to implement an effective outsourcing strategy to reduce your backlog of invention files, get more deals done, and boost faculty relations. A detailed case study of Texas Tech University’s outsourcing experience will provide valuable takeaways and lessons learned. CLICK HERE for full details.

January tech transfer audioconferences address outsourcing, de-risking technologies

Marie Powers — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:12:41 +0000

Our distance learning division is kicking off the new year with two outstanding, practical audioconferences. On January 6, Successful Outsourcing for Tech Transfer Organizations will focus on how to implement an effective outsourcing strategy to reduce your backlog of invention files, get more deals done, and boost faculty relations. A detailed case study of Texas Tech University’s outsourcing experience will provide valuable takeaways and lessons learned. CLICK HERE for full details.

On January 27, serial inventor and innovation expert Nicholas Webb will headline “Shrink Wrap” Your University’s Technologies for Industry: Packaging Your Innovations to Minimize Corporate Risk and Extract Optimum Licensing Value. He’ll show participants how to present IP with a solid, in-depth market analysis and adopt proven analytical methods used by corporations to identify and plug any holes that could affect valuation. Attendees will gain unique insights into how to meet and exceed corporate expectations, and de-risk IP for a faster, smoother and more lucrative deal. CLICK HERE for full details.

And don’t miss next Wednesday’s distance learning session: Post-License Monitoring and Support: Performance and Revenue Enhancement Strategies (and when all else fails, how to pull the plug and take back your IP!)

Four tech transfer audioconferences filled with proven success strategies

Marie Powers — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:27:56 +0000

Our Distance Learning Division has four outstanding events on the schedule in the coming weeks, each one filled with usable, how-to strategies and practical take-aways for tech transfer professionals. For complete information or to register, click on any of the titles below, and for information on reduced registration rates for multiple events using our Distance Learning Subscription program, CLICK HERE.

Next Tuesday, December 8th: Tech Transfer Partnerships: Establishing Effective Legal and Operational Structures for Long-Term Success
Wednesday, December 16th: Post-License Monitoring and Support: Performance and Revenue Enhancement Strategies (and when all else fails, how to pull the plug and take back your IP!)
Wednesday, January 6th: Successful Outsourcing for Tech Transfer Organizations
Wednesday, January 27th: “Shrink Wrap” Your University’s Technologies for Industry: Packaging Your Innovations to Minimize Corporate Risk and Extract Optimum Licensing Value

Tech Transfer Partnerships: Establishing Effective Legal and Operational Structures for Long-Term Success

Marie Powers — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:48:32 +0000

Partnerships in tech transfer can succeed wildly or fail miserably, depending on how they are structured, nurtured, and operated. To optimize the results of your partnering agreements takes diligent work before and after the deal is inked. That’s why our Distance Learning Division has scheduled a targeted 90-minute session — with the top tech transfer official from the National Institutes of Health and a TTO exec who’s a partnering veteran — to help ensure you make the most of these opportunities. Join us on Wednesday, December 8th from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST for Tech Transfer Partnerships: Establishing Effective Legal and Operational Structures for Long-Term Success. You’ll receive loads of practical guidance from two outstanding speakers: Mark Rohrbaugh, PhD, JD, Director of the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Technology Transfer, and Gary Breit, Executive Director of the University of Manitoba Technology Transfer Office. For complete program details and to register, CLICK HERE.

Also coming next month: Post-License Monitoring and Support: Performance and Revenue Enhancement Strategies (and when all else fails, how to pull the plug and take back your IP!), Wednesday, December 16, 2009 ~ 1:00-2:30 pm (EST). CLICK here for details.

December audioconferences address front and back end of successful tech transfer partnerships

Marie Powers — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:24:27 +0000

Two distance learning events in December cover two ends of the tech transfer spectrum - establishing and structuring effective partnerships, and then monitoring them effectively on the back end. Tech Transfer Partnerships: Establishing Effective Legal and Operational Structures for Long-Term Success will be held December 8, and Post-License Monitoring and Support: Performance and Revenue Enhancement Strategies (and When All Else Fails How to Pull the Plug and Take Back Your IP) is scheduled for December 16. Click on either title for complete program and faculty information.

Make sure your post-license monitoring systems are airtight

Marie Powers — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:46:22 +0000

While most licensees act in good faith and strive to abide by their contractual obligations, some — according to several studies the majority — intentionally or not end up breaching their contract. Under-reporting of royalties, failure to support the IP as promised, re-interpretation of definitions, sublicensing arrangements, and financial hardship are just some of the common reasons TTOs and their faculty frequently get short-changed. If you don’t have an airtight post-license monitoring procedure in place, you could be losing millions in royalties. That’s why we’ve lined up three leading experts in licensee monitoring for an intensive 90-minute distance learning event: Post-License Monitoring and Support: Performance and Revenue Enhancement Strategies (and when all else fails, how to pull the plug and take back your IP), scheduled for Wednesday, December 16, 2009. Our panel of three experts will show you how to discover these missing dollars using a systematic, thorough auditing process while maintaining positive relationships with licensees. And they’ll also outline the specific steps, after a problem comes to light, you must take to protect your IP and collect your rightfully share royalty payments. For complete details and to register, CLICK HERE.

PLUS, it’s still not too late to register for Thursday’s live event: CLICK HERE for information on Shifting Your TTO from Market Push to Market Pull: Finding the White Space.

One week to register for home run technologies, market pull strategy audioconferences

Marie Powers — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:06:29 +0000

Don’t miss these two distance learning programs next week: Home Run Strategies: Finding, Nurturing, and Securing Maximum Revenues from Disruptive University Technologies, featuring Dr. Rainer Iraschko, Vice President of Research for TRLabs, will be held Wednesday the 11th, and Shifting Your TTO from Market Push to Market Pull: Finding the White Space, featuring Lina Ramos, president of Emerging Growth Enterprise, is scheduled for Thursday the 12th. Both occur from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST, or can be accessed at any time after the live event on MP3 or digital CD.

Coming in December:

November audioconferences address home run technologies, market pull strategies

Marie Powers — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:36:56 +0000

Our Distance Learning Division has two high-value audioconferences scheduled back-to-back on November 11 and November 12, and is offering a $100 discount until the end of the month for those wishing to hear both presentations. Home Run Strategies: Finding, Nurturing, and Securing Maximum Revenues from Disruptive University Technologies (click here for details), featuring Dr. Rainer Iraschko, Vice President of Research for TRLabs, will be held Wednesday the 11th, and Shifting Your TTO from Market Push to Market Pull: Finding the White Space (click here for details), featuring Lina Ramos, president of Emerging Growth Enterprise, is scheduled for Thursday the 12th. Both occur from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST, or can be accessed at any time after the live event on MP3 or digital CD. The cost is $197 for each session (with unlimited attendance), and purchasers of both events save $100. CLICK HERE to take advantage of the combination offer.

Coming in December:

Shifting Your TTO from Market Push to Market Pull: Finding the White Space

Marie Powers — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:08:03 +0000

Many tech transfer offices are stuck in reactive mode. They dutifully receive invention disclosures from faculty, assess them for commercial potential, file patents and provisionals, and seek licensees. This reactive strategy, while understandable given staff shortages and time constraints, does not even attempt to address one very critical factor in successful research commercialization efforts: what does the market want? Recognizing this, a growing number of TTOs have moved away from traditional and reactive “market push” strategies toward a more proactive “market pull” approach. They are actively engaging with innovation seekers in corporations and government agencies to determine their most pressing needs — and then feeding that information back to their research labs.

By listening to their markets, and building strong relationships with industry, they are smoothing a path to licensing revenues and assuring that more of their research dollars result in products that companies want and need. The concept isn’t hard to grasp, but execution can be difficult. It involves not only a shift in strategy and thinking, but also delicate negotiations with researchers who may balk at being “dictated to” about their research focus. In addition, it involves tough legwork in building a “listening” process in the form of strong industry relationships.

But the end result can significantly increase your research funding and licensing revenues while cementing long-term corporate partnerships. That’s why our Distance Learning Division has recruited one of the nation’s leaders in market pull strategy, Lina Ramos of Emerging Growth Enterprise, to give you practical strategies on determining the IP and innovation needs of industry and putting your researchers to work on meeting those needs. Shifting Your TTO from Market Push to Market Pull: Finding the White Space, Thursday, November 12th, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EST. For complete details and to register, CLICK HERE.

And don’t miss these other strategy-filled events coming soon:

“Home Run” strategies for TTOs

Marie Powers — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:42:28 +0000

Just a few technologies out of the thousands patented and licensed each year account for 95% of the revenues generated by research commercialization activity. In your entire portfolio, there may be one or two technologies that could become part of this select group — a “home run” that delivers big royalty or equity dollars for years to come. These elusive big winners, regardless of the market or type of product, almost always share one common characteristic — they are disruptive technologies that are game-changing in their space. In the current environment, it only makes sense to spend more of your limited time and resources identifying, protecting, nurturing, and bringing these home runs to market. That’s why our Technology Transfer Tactics Distance Learning Division has scheduled a breakthrough audioconference that will highlight Canada’s leader in information and communication innovation, and its proven model for nurturing disruptive technologies. Home Run Strategies: Finding, Nurturing, and Securing Maximum Revenues from Disruptive University Technologies, scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, features TRLabs Vice President of Research Rainer Iraschko, PhD. He’ll reveal the factors that dictate his organization’s commitment to nurturing select disruptive technologies, review the lessons learned in development and commercialization efforts, and delve into the inner workings of the organization’s “Disruptive Technology Challenge.” For complete details and to register, CLICK HERE.

Also coming soon:

The New TTO Metrics: Documenting Job Creation, Economic Impact, and Other “Dark Matter” Performance Indicators, October 28, 2009
Shifting Your TTO From Market Push to Market Pull: Finding the White Space, November 12th, 2009
Tech Transfer Partnerships: Establishing Effective Legal and Operational Structures for Long-Term Success, December 8, 2009
Post-License Monitoring and Support: Performance and Revenue Enhancement Strategies (and When All Else Fails How to Pull the Plug and Take Back Your IP), December 16, 2009

2010 tech transfer distance learning schedule released

Marie Powers — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:27:40 +0000

The Technology Transfer Tactics 2010 Distance Learning Subscription schedule has just been announced. This program allows you to pick from 24 strategy-filled sessions that best meet your staff information and training needs, and save nearly $3,000 when you select all 24 events. It’s a great way to stretch your professional development budget, eliminate travel costs while enhancing staff expertise, and conveniently — and cost-effectively — get critical guidance on the key issues you must address to boost your TTO’s performance and bring more licensing revenues in the door. Each 90-minute audio program is presented by highly respected industry experts who carefully plan their sessions to ensure they deliver maximum practical value. You’ll walk away from every program with real-world solutions to tough problems and innovative strategies for boosting your effectiveness and results. Subscribe today and choose the audio programs that best suit your needs — or choose all 24 for maximum savings! All programs come complete with program handouts and bonus materials in the format that suits you best: live, digital CD, or MP3. This unique service delivers a full year of targeted tech transfer guidance and training for less than the cost of one in-person conference. For a complete schedule and to order your customized subscription, CLICK HERE.

Here’s a partial list of what’s on tap for 2010:

“Shrink Wrap” Your University’s Technologies for Industry: Packaging Your Innovations to Minimize Corporate Risk and Extract Optimum Licensing Value
Patent Prosecution: Best Practices for Reducing Costs While Improving Patent Quality
Tech Transfer Marketing on a Shoestring: Guerilla Tactics in a Budget-Cut World
For University Researchers: Tap into your Inner CEO
Working Effectively with University Counsel to Speed the Licensing Process
Become Industry-Friendly: Transform Your TTO into a Licensee Magnet
TTOs: Use Social Media Effectively to Market Your Innovations
The Perfect Elevator Pitch: Sell Your IP in 3 Minutes or Less!
Prevent Faculty Disputes from Turning into a Declaration of War
International Patenting Strategies: Cost-effectively Expand Your Market and Boost Your TTO’s Revenues
Bullet-Proof Your License Agreements: Prevent Post-License Disputes and Shed Dead Weight Licensees

Don’t let the lawyers blow your next licensing deal

Marie Powers — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:58:55 +0000

The road from lab to marketplace is littered with legal minefields. From securing IP rights and assuring airtight patent prosecution to drafting and negotiating license agreements, you must watch your step and tread lightly to avoid triggering expensive legal challenges that will not only drain your budget, but can stall your innovations and the revenue potential they hold. That’s why Technology Transfer Tactics’ Distance Learning Division has recruited a top-notch legal team — Catherine Shea, the University of Colorado’s Associate Counsel for Technology Transfer and Research Compliance, and Savery M. Gradoville, a partner in the Washington, DC office of Steptoe & Johnson LLP — to help TTOs identify, fortify against, and prevent common legal mistakes and oversights that can sabotage your licensing and commercialization efforts. The Top 10 Legal Minefields for TTOs and How To Step Around Them will be held this Thursday, October 8, from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time. Don’t miss this important audioconference event - CLICK HERE for complete details and to register.

PLUS, coming soon:

The New TTO Metrics: Documenting Job Creation, Economic Impact, and Other “Dark Matter” Performance Indicators — October 28, 2009
JUST ANNOUNCED: Home Run Strategies: Finding, Nurturing, and Securing Maximum Revenues from Disruptive University Technologies — November 11, 2009

Don’t miss these two upcoming distance learning opportunities

Marie Powers — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:41:26 +0000

Two critical audioconference programs are on tap in the coming month, addressing two critical tech transfer concerns: legal barriers to successful commercialization, and new TTO metrics focusing on the economic impact of tech transfer activity. Click on the links below for complete details and to register:

October 8, 2009: The Top 10 Legal Minefields for TTOs and How To Step Around Them
October 28, 2009: The New TTO Metrics: Documenting Job Creation, Economic Impact, and Other “Dark Matter” Performance Indicators

Experts to offer best practices aimed at improving the results of your TTO’s marketing efforts

Marie Powers — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:18:54 +0000

There’s just one week remaining to enroll in the live audioconference, “Best Practices for Marketing University and Federal Lab Technologies.” This 90-minute distance learning event, presented by Laura Schoppe and Jack Spain of Fuentek, LLC, will offer important perspectives on your TTO’s marketing challenges, as well as a host of detailed strategies and takeaways you can put into practice immediately. Here’s a quick look at what will be covered:

Technology Screening Methodology- Using a proactive filtering process - Identifying IP with the highest marketing potential
Marketing Best Practices and Guidelines for:
- Performing background research
- Creating and executing your marketing plan
Process Improvement for Marketing Technologies
- Passive vs. active vs. reactive marketing
Case Study Examples of:
- Successful social media campaigns
- Blogging strategies, with do’s and don’ts
- Effective website layouts and SEO strategies
Effective Communication Techniques with Internal and External Stakeholders
- Defining your target groups
- How “Mar” works with “Com”
Metrics
- Realistic goal setting
- Tips for effective data gathering and analysis
- Where to find free and easy-to-use tools and resources

CLICK HERE to register, and also receive a free DVD of our recent webinar, “Marketing University IP in Cyberspace.”

PLUS, coming in October:

The Top 10 Legal Minefields for TTOs and How To Step Around Them, Thursday, October 8, 2009
The New TTO Metrics: Documenting Job Creation, Economic Impact, and Other “Dark Matter” Performance Indicators, Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Audioconference to discuss new performance metrics for tech transfer organizations

Marie Powers — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:54:30 +0000

One long-lasting impact of the global recession for tech transfer organizations will be the rapid changes now taking place in the way TTO success and performance are measured. University administrators — under pressure to demonstrate a positive economic contribution — are now asking for much more than the typical scorecard of licenses, patents, and revenues from TTO activity. The heat is on to show the economic impact of university research efforts in terms of jobs, payroll, tax dollars generated, and other metrics. Yet those numbers can be near-impossible to pin down — if you can find reliable data in the first place. That’s why our Distance Learning Division is holding a unique, practical audioconference designed to help you create, as well as reliably report on, a set of metrics that will satisfy stakeholders and show the true value of tech transfer efforts. The New TTO Metrics: Documenting Job Creation, Economic Impact, and Other “Dark Matter” Performance Indicators will be held October 28, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. eastern time. CLICK HERE to register and reserve your spot!

Plus don’t miss these other high-value audioprograms:

September 29, 2009: Best Practices for Marketing University and Federal Lab Technologies
October 8, 2009: The Top 10 Legal Minefields for TTOs and How To Step Around Them

Four key distance learning events on tap for tech transfer professionals

Marie Powers — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:05:23 +0000

Critical guidance and expert advice in four key areas — tax compliance, marketing best practices, legal challenges, and performance metrics — are featured in four distance learning events over the next six weeks. Click on any of the links below to register for any of the individual sessions, or CLICK HERE for details on reduced rates through our Distance Learning Subscription program.

The IRS Targets TTOs: Hot Spots for Tax Compliance and Audit Avoidance Strategies - September 15, 2009 ~ 1:00-2:30 pm (Eastern Daylight Time)
Best Practices for Marketing University and Federal Lab Technologies - Tuesday, September 29, 2009 ~ 1:00-2:30 pm (Eastern Daylight Time)
The Top 10 Legal Minefields for TTOs and How To Step Around Them - Thursday, October 8, 2009 ~ 1:00-2:30 pm (Eastern Daylight Time)
The New TTO Metrics: Documenting Job Creation, Economic Impact, and Other “Dark Matter” Performance Indicators - October, 2009 (Exact date and time to be announced)

IRS is targeting universities — don’t be caught off guard!

Marie Powers — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:01:59 +0000

In October 2008, the Internal Revenue Service put colleges and universities on notice that it is putting their finances, policies and practices, and revenue generating activities under a magnifying glass. The first step in this process was the lengthy compliance questionnaire in which about 400 universities were asked by the IRS to answer questions related to such financial matters as executive compensation, endowments, and handling of “unrelated business income.” For TTOs, how you structure and account for licensing revenues and start-up activity, according to many tax experts and IRS watchers, is likely to be a primary focus of future audit activity. The IRS itself has stated that universities are in the top 10 target areas on its 2009 Work Plan. Ensure tax guideline compliance and prepare your TTO for a possible audit by attending a crucial audioconference, September 15 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: The IRS Targets TTOs: Hot Spots for Tax Compliance and Audit Avoidance Strategies. The session will be led by three top university tax attorneys: Sean P. Scally of Vanderbilt University, Lorrainne Sciarra from Princeton University and Bertrand M. Harding, Jr. an Alexandria, VA-based attorney and author of The Tax Law of Colleges and Universities (3rd ed.). For complete program details and to register, CLICK HERE.

Also coming soon:

September 29th: Best Practices for Marketing University and Federal Lab Technologies
October 8th: The Top 10 Legal Minefields for TTOs and How To Step Around Them
October (date to be announced): The New TTO Metrics: Documenting Job Creation, Economic Impact, and Other “Dark Matter” Performance Indicators

If you missed today’s “Launch Your Own VC” audioconference …

Marie Powers — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:46:21 +0000

If you couldn’t attend live, the recording of today’s anticipated audioconference, “Launch Your Own VC! Create Your Own Funding Vehicle For University Technologies,” is available on MP3, CD, and as a print transcript — including all handout materials. CLICK HERE for complete details.

And don’t miss these vital September distance learning events:

The IRS Targets TTOs: Hot Spots for Tax Compliance and Audit Avoidance Strategies, Tuesday, September 15
Best Practices for Marketing University and Federal Lab Technologies, Tuesday, September 29

Last week to register for “Launch Your Own VC”

Marie Powers — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:50:29 +0000

Getting the backing you need to commercialize your promising technologies and fund your start-ups has become a tough challenge, and too many innovations are dying on the vine or languishing while tech transfer officials “wait out” the current economic doldrums. But a growing number of creative TTO directors are taking the bull by the horns, developing “out-of-the-box” financing strategies to ensure that high-potential technologies get a fair shake — and the resources they need — to reach commercial viability. The University of Utah Technology Commercialization Office has risen to this challenge — and you can too, when you adapt its proven strategies for building an internal funding mechanism that doesn’t rely on the whims of the outside VC and angel investor market. With its Kickstart start-up seed fund, and two additional funds in the works, the TCO leaders have taken matters into their own hands and created a solid funding foundation for university start-ups. So you can learn from their experience and create your own “recession-proof” funding vehicle, we’ve engaged two U of Utah executives to give you an inside look at their strategies, successes, and problems encountered (and overcome) along the way. Join us next Wednesday, August 26 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EDT, for a revealing, powerful distance learning audio program: Launch Your Own VC: Create Your Own Funding Vehicle for University Technologies. When you attend this detailed, how-to session, you’ll hear Brian Cummings, executive director of the university’s TCO, and Gavin Christensen, managing director of Kickstart, show you how to “plant the seeds” needed to successfully launch your own VC fund. For complete program details and to register, CLICK HERE.

Coming in September:

The IRS Targets TTOs: Hot Spots for Tax Compliance and Audit Avoidance Strategies, Tuesday, September 15
Best Practices for Marketing University and Federal Lab Technologies, Tuesday, September 29

Audioconference to advise TTOs on staying out of IRS auditors’ cross-hairs

Marie Powers — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:10:22 +0000

In October 2008, the Internal Revenue Service put colleges and universities on notice that it is putting their finances, policies and practices, and revenue generating activities under a magnifying glass. The first step in this process was the lengthy compliance questionnaire in which about 400 universities were asked by the IRS to answer questions related to such financial matters as executive compensation, endowments, student demographics, and handling of “unrelated business income.” For TTOs, how you structure and account for licensing revenues and start-up activity, according to many tax experts and IRS watchers, is likely to be a primary focus of future audit activity. The IRS itself has stated that universities are in the top 10 target areas on its 2009 Work Plan. Ensure tax guideline compliance and prepare your TTO for a possible audit by attending a crucial audioconference, September 15 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: The IRS Targets TTOs: Hot Spots for Tax Compliance and Audit Avoidance Strategies. The session will be led by three top university tax attorneys: Sean P. Scally of Vanderbilt University, Lorrainne Sciarra from Princeton University and Bertrand M. Harding, Jr. an Alexandria, VA-based attorney and author of The Tax Law of Colleges and Universities (3rd ed.). For complete program details and to register, CLICK HERE.

Also coming soon:

Distance learning program to share marketing best practices among university and federal lab TTOs

David Schwartz — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:42:46 +0000

Too many tech transfer organizations focus their attention on tasks surrounding technology development and patent protection, but then ironically lack the marketing prowess they need to move their innovations into the marketplace. The missing link — and the key to successfully marketing your innovations — is developing a concise yet comprehensive, formal marketing plan with a consistent message — and consistent results. That’s why our Distance Learning Division has invited a pair of technology commercialization and marketing experts to share their proven tactics and know-how, so you can integrate critical marketing tasks into every workday and dramatically increase the number of technologies successfully licensed and ultimately brought to the public. Join Laura Schoppe and Jack Spain of Fuentek, LLC, September 29, 2009, for a hands-on distance learning event: Best Practices for Marketing University and Federal Lab Technologies.

This 90-minute audioconference will bring you important perspective on your TTO’s marketing challenges, as well as a host of detailed strategies and takeaways you can put into practice immediately. Here’s a quick look at what we’ll cover:

Technology Screening Methodology
- Using a proactive filtering process
- Identifying IP with the highest marketing potential
Marketing Best Practices and Guidelines for:
- Performing background research
- Creating and executing your marketing plan
Process Improvement for Marketing Technologies
- Passive vs. active vs. reactive marketing
Case Study Examples of:
- successful social media campaigns
- blogging strategies, with do’s and don’ts
- effective website layouts and SEO strategies
Effective Communication Techniques with Internal and External Stakeholders
- Defining your target groups
- How “Mar” works with “Com”
Metrics
- Realistic goal setting
- Tips for effective data gathering and analysis
- Where to find free and easy-to-use tools and resources

Participation in the call is just $197 per site and allows access to one phone line for an unlimited number of people to listen. Your entire staff and listen by speakerphone for maximum benefit! To register or for more information, CLICK HERE or call 239-263-0605.

Coming in August:

Achieve Success by Taking a Business-Minded Approach to Tech Transfer, featuring Johns Hopkins TTO director Wes Blakeslee, August 6
Launch Your Own VC: Create Your Own Funding Vehicle for University Technologies, featuring the University of Utah’s Brian Cummings and Gavin Christensen, August 26

Launch your Own VC! Create Your Own Funding Vehicle For University Technologies

Marie Powers — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:38:38 +0000

As early-stage investors become more and more choosy — if they’re investing at all these days — getting the backing you need to commercialize your promising technologies and fund your start-ups has become a tougher challenge, and too many innovations are dying on the vine or languishing while tech transfer officials “wait out” the current economic doldrums. But a growing number of creative TTO directors are taking the bull by the horns, developing “out-of-the-box” financing strategies to ensure that high-potential technologies get a fair shake — and the resources they need — to reach commercial viability.
The University of Utah TTO has risen to this challenge — and you can too, when you adapt its proven strategies for building an internal funding mechanism that doesn’t rely on the whims of the outside VC and angel investor market. With its Kickstart start-up seed fund, and two additional funds in the works, the TTO leaders have taken matters into their own hands and created a solid funding foundation for university start-ups. So you can learn from their experience and create your own “recession-proof” funding vehicle, we’ve engaged two U of Utah executives to give you an inside look at their strategies, successes, and problems encountered (and overcome) along the way. Join us for a revealing, powerful distance learning audio program: Launch Your Own VC: Create Your Own Funding Vehicle for University Technologies. You’ll hear Brian Cummings, executive director of the Technology Commercialization Office at the University of Utah and assistant VP for Technology Ventures, and Gavin Christensen, managing director of Kickstart, show you how to “plant the seeds” needed to successfully launch your own VC fund. For complete details or to register, CLICK HERE.

Plus, don’t miss these two strategy-filled audioconference events:

Conflict of Interest in University Research: Strengthen Your Process and Policies, Wednesday, July 22nd
Achieve Success By Taking a Business-Minded Approach to Tech Transfer, Thursday, August 6th

Distance learning sessions cover IP bundling, conflict-of-interest

David Schwartz — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:56:30 +0000

There are just 24 hours left to sign up for IP Bundling: Establish Effective Partnerships to Increase the Value of Your Innovations, a distance learning audio program that will deliver a roadmap to success in your IP bundling efforts. CLICK HERE to register for Thursday’s live session, or order the recording for those who cannot attend and for ongoing training.

Coming July 22nd is Conflict of Interest in University Research: Strengthen Your Process and Policies. This topic has proven extremely popular and we are nearing capacity for the live audioprogram, so CLICK HERE to register today. You’ll leave with a collection of COI best practices and strategies that can guide you through the complex and sensitive COI issues you face in your organization.

Four key challenges addressed in upcoming tech transfer audioconferences

David Schwartz — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:03:18 +0000

Technology Transfer Tactics has lined up four distance learning audioprograms over the next two months that address some of the most critical challenges and opportunities facing tech transfer and IP professionals. Click on the individual titles below for complete program and faculty information:

IP Bundling: Establish Effective Partnerships to Increase the Value of Your Innovations - July 9, 2009 1:00-2:30 pm (Eastern Daylight Time)
Conflict of Interest in University Research: Strengthen Your Process and Policies - July 22, 2009 1:00-2:30 pm (Eastern Daylight Time)
Achieve Success by Taking a Business-Minded Approach to Tech Transfer - August 6, 2009 1:00-2:30 pm (Eastern Daylight Time)
Launch Your Own VC! Create Your Own Funding Vehicle For University Technologies - August 26, 2009 1:00-2:30 pm (Eastern Daylight Time)

Audioconference to tackle conflict of interest in university research

2Market Information, Inc. — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:22:54 +0000

As the business of technology transfer continues to evolve, increased attention is being focused on managing conflicts of interest that can arise within university research programs and tech transfer offices. Without effective policies, processes, and faculty education, your institution risks loss of funding, federal investigations, multi-million dollar settlements, and a hit to your reputation that could cost you dearly for years to come. The stakes are getting higher - and the issues becoming more complex - as large corporate sponsorships become more common and faculty start-ups continue to gain favor with many TTOs. To help you guard against this threat, our Distance Learning Division has lined up an expert attorney and a veteran TTO exec — Bernadette M. Broccolo of McDermott Will & Emery, LLP, and Anne C. Di Sante, Director of Technology Transfer at Wayne State University — to bring you detailed legal advice as well as practical, how-to guidance on tackling the thicket of thorny COI issues you must address. Join us on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. eastern daylight time, for Conflict of Interest in University Research: Strengthen Your Process and Policies.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this nuts-and-bolts session:

Best practices in COI policies and procedures
Strategies for faculty COI orientation and ongoing education
Critical red flags that should spur a COI review
Defining individual, institutional, and imputed institutional interests
Regulatory compliance tips
Drawing lines between sponsored research and licensing
Keeping tabs on faculty consulting agreements
Conducting reviews and enforcing policies without alienating researchers
Internal review practices that stand up to external scrutiny
COI case studies - the good, the bad, and the really ugly
Blueprint for effectively handling violations
Clarifying common “gray areas”
and much more!

CLICK HERE for complete details or to register. Or to see our entire schedule of upcoming events, CLICK HERE.

Multi-media bundles focus on four key tech transfer challenges

Marie Powers — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:00:27 +0000

Technology Transfer Tactics is now offering affordable, topic-specific multi-media bundles covering four of the most critical challenges facing tech transfer professionals. Choose one or more of these convenient packages filled with case studies, best practices, expert guidance, and how-to strategies. Each bundle combines a Tech Transfer Library report and an audioconference CD, offering an inexpensive way to focus in on key topics of interest. Click on the titles below for complete information:

IP MARKETING STRATEGIES AND TACTICS - Find proven strategies that will help you market your IP more effectively to corporations and investors and bring in more patent-worthy research.
PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT, EFFICIENCY, AND STAFFING STRATEGIES - Implement proven program management strategies that will boost the overall performance of your staff and your TTO.
FACULTY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION - Discover education and outreach strategies that will enhance your relationships with researchers and increase the flow of innovations to your program.
EARLY STAGE FUNDING STRATEGIES - Tap into a wealth of creative gap funding ideas and get the dollars you need to move promising technologies out of the lab and on a path to the commercial market.

Three high-value distance learning events for tech transfer professionals

David Schwartz — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:53:22 +0000

We’ve got three timely, high-value distance learning events lined up over the next month. Click on any of the titles below for complete details or to register, and Click here to see our schedule through the first quarter of 2010 — and save with our custom Distance Learning Subscription program.

Time Saving Tactics for Technology Transfer Professionals: Achieve Success While Doing More with Less - June 25, 2009 ~ 1:00-2:30 pm EDT
IP Bundling: Establish Effective Partnerships to Increase the Value of Your Innovations - July 9, 2009 1:00-2:30 pm EDT
Conflict of Interest in University Research: Strengthen Your Process and Policies - July 22, 2009 1:00-2:30 pm EDT

Time Saving Tactics for Technology Transfer Professionals coming June 25th

David Schwartz — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:00:07 +0000

If there’s one thing in short supply among tech transfer professionals, it’s TIME. It’s a fact of life in virtually every TTO — more work than minutes in the day to accomplish what you’d like to, too many balls in the air, too few resources, and too few days when you actually feel as though you spent your hours adding value and completing meaningful work. If your TTO is like most, rather than seeking deals and partnerships, you’re spending too much of your time dealing with last minute disclosures, filing provisionals, processing MTAs, responding to researcher complaints and queries, and other minutiae that must get done, but which leaves precious little time for your REAL JOB. And with recent budget cuts experienced by many offices, it’s only gotten worse. To help you overcome this all-too-common challenge, our Distance Learning Division has secured two industry experts — Jeff Fearn, PhD from the Cornell Center for Technology Enterprise and Commercialization and David McFeeters-Krone of Intellectual Assets Corporation — to help you clear a path toward a more effective, efficient TTO by making better use of your limited time and gaining more hours to devote to revenue-generating activity. For complete details and to register for this practical, how-to session — scheduled for June 25th at 1:00 p.m. EDT — CLICK HERE.

Coming next month:

Sneak peak and early bird discounts on three upcoming distance learning events

David Schwartz — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:18:05 +0000

Our Distance Learning Division has announced three dynamic audioconference events, each of which is now offering early-bird registration for $50 off the regular attendance fee. For even bigger savings, sign up for all three (or more!) using our Distance Learning Subscription Program.

Here’s the line-up. Click on each link for further detail or to enroll:

June 25: Time Saving Tactics for Technology Transfer Professionals: Achieve Success While Doing More with Less, featuring highly regarded consultant David McFeeters-Krone.

July 9: IP Bundling: Establish Effective Partnerships to Increase the Value of Your Innovations, featuring Andrew R.O. Watson, PhD, licensing associate at Oregon Health & Science University, formerly technology development officer for Scripps Research Institute.

July 23: Conflict of Interest in University Research: Strengthen Your Process and Policies, featuring Anne C. Di Sante, MBA, TTO director at Wayne State University.

Don’t miss practical guidance on creating incentives for TTO staff

David Schwartz — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:31:16 +0000

Set aside 90 minutes this Friday, May 29, for a practical and revealing look at how one leading research university has used an incentive program for TTO staff as a tool to bring in more licensing deals and enhance staff productivity. Technology Transfer Tactics’ Distance Learning Division has recruited Emory University’s Todd Sherer, PhD, to detail how his innovative incentive program has helped the TTO expand, stay healthy financially, and maintain a virtually turnover-free zone. This enlightening audioconference will dig deep into Emory’s incentive plan, exploring practical steps you can adapt to reward and retain one of your TTO’s most precious commodities: your staff. Attend Create A Winning Incentive System for Tech Transfer Staff — or purchase the CD or MP3 — and you’ll learn:

Step-by-step guidance for crafting your own incentive-based compensation plan
How to avoid turning your licensing professionals into glorified sales reps
How to devise qualitative incentives as well as quantitative ones
A treasure trove of perks that work
How to keep the goals and mission of the university front and center in your plan
Steering clear of perception problems and maintaining a faculty service orientation
Rewards vs. bonuses: Structuring a plan that will gain administrative buy-in
How pooled incentives compare with individual reward programs, and how staff perceive each

CLICK HERE for complete program information or to register.

Coming in June:

Wednesday, June 10: International Licensing of University Technologies: Opportunities and Pitfalls
Thursday, June 25: Time Saving Tactics for Technology Transfer Professionals: Achieve Success While Doing More with Less

Get the details behind Emory’s successful TTO staff incentive program

David Schwartz — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:03:52 +0000

Our Distance Learning Division has recruited Emory University’s Todd Sherer, PhD, to reveal how his innovative incentive program has helped the university’s TTO expand, stay healthy financially, and maintain a virtually turnover-free zone. This enlightening audioconference will dig deep into Emory’s incentive plan, exploring practical steps you can adapt to reward and retain one of your TTO’s most precious commodities — your staff. This nuts-and-bolts program, scheduled for May 29th and also available after the event on CD and MP3, will cover:

A step-by-step guide to crafting your own incentive-based compensation plan
How to avoid turning your licensing professionals into glorified sales reps
How to devise qualitative incentives as well as quantitative ones
A treasure trove of perks that work
How to keep the goals and mission of the university front and center in your plan
Steering clear of perception problems and maintaining a faculty service orientation
Rewards vs. bonuses: Structuring a plan that will gain administrative buy-in
How pooled incentives compare with individual reward programs, and how staff perceive each
And much more! To register or for complete program information, CLICK HERE.

Coming next month:

– June 10, International Licensing of University Technologies: Opportunities and Pitfalls
— June 25, Time-Saving Tactics for Tech Transfer Professionals: Double Your TTO’s Productivity

International Licensing of University Technologies: Opportunities and Pitfalls

David Schwartz — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:02:29 +0000

Globalization has made borders increasingly meaningless when it comes to licensing your innovations, and the opportunities for generating revenues in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere internationally have never been greater. But along with that opportunity comes tremendous challenge and complexity - and deals as well as IP protection must be carefully executed to avoid the many pitfalls that await even the most seasoned licensing professional. Technology Transfer Tactics’ Distance Learning Division has teamed up with an international licensing expert - attorney Maggy Bailly of Seattle-based Bailly Law Firm — on a practical 90-minute audioconference will address the legal — as well as cultural — issues that arise in the international licensing of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. If your TTO is involved or plans to get involved in international tech transfer, you can’t afford to miss this session filled with critical advice and guidance. International Licensing of University Technologies: Opportunities and Pitfalls is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EDT. For those who cannot attend, the recorded session on CD, MP3 or print transcript will also be available. To register or for more information, CLICK HERE.

And don’t miss these upcoming distance learning events:

May 14 (this Thursday!): License Negotiation Workshop for Tech Transfer Professionals: Real-World Tactics for Maximizing Licensing Revenues
May 29: Create A Winning Incentive System for Tech Transfer Staff

Level the IP license negotiation playing field

David Schwartz — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:50:08 +0000

In licensing technologies, for TTOs typically the first priority is finding the most compatible licensee that will nurture an innovation to its maximum potential while recouping a fair return to the university. But your counterpart on the other side of the negotiating table often has other ideas. In the corporate world, “fair” is not a frequently used negotiating principle, and societal benefit is not the primary goal. Like it or not, and no matter how good your intentions, industry negotiators gauge a deal based on their bottom line, they’ll use every trick in the book to come out on top, and they’re very good at what they do. If they sense weakness, they’ll exploit it. In short, they play hardball, and you must be prepared to match them pitch for pitch. That’s why Technology Transfer Tactics’ Distance Learning Division has recruited John Geikler from Virginia Tech Intellectual Property, Inc. and Michael Villalobos, PhD, from Cleveland Clinic Innovations to provide you with expert license negotiation strategies guaranteed to help you stand your ground against tough and negotiators, craft a win-win agreement, and maximize your licensing revenue. License Negotiation Workshop for Tech Transfer Professionals: Real-World Tactics for Maximizing Licensing Revenues will be held on Thursday, May 14 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. eastern daylight time. For complete program details and to register, CLICK HERE.

Other distance learning opportunities on tap:

Friday, May 29: Create a Winning Incentive System for Tech Transfer Staff
Wednesday, June 10: International Licensing of University Technologies: Opportunities and Pitfalls

Stand your ground against tough corporate negotiators

David Schwartz — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:02:57 +0000

Other distance learning opportunities on tap:

THIS THURSDAY, April 30th: What Patent Trolls Can Teach TTOs About Extracting Value From IP
Friday, May 29: Create a Winning Incentive System for Tech Transfer Staff

May distance learning events tackle negotiation strategies, staff incentives

David Schwartz — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:28:34 +0000

Our Distance Learning Division’s schedule for May was recently announced, with two programs focused on key tech transfer challenges:

License Negotiation Workshop for Tech Transfer Professionals: Real-World Tactics for Maximizing Licensing Revenues, scheduled for May 14, features John Geikler from Virginia Tech Intellectual Property, Inc. and Michael Villalobos, PhD, from Cleveland Clinic Innovations, who’ll provide you with expert license negotiation strategies guaranteed to help you stand your ground against tough negotiators, craft a win-win agreement, and maximize your licensing revenue. CLICK HERE for complete details and to register.
Create a Winning Incentive System for Tech Transfer Staff will be held May 29. Emory University’s Todd Sherer, PhD, architect of one of the most successful TTO staff incentive systems, will reveal how his innovative program has helped the TTO expand, stay healthy financially, and maintain a virtually turnover-free zone. For more detailed information or to register, CLICK HERE.

Both May events offer early registration discounts, so don’t delay!

And don’t miss What Patent Trolls Can Teach TTOs About Extracting Value From IP - Thursday, April 30th, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. CLICK HERE for details.

Avoid patent troll threats, but learn from their successful tactics

David Schwartz — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:20:37 +0000

Despite all the negativity surrounding so-called “patent trolls” and non-practicing entities, in fact TTOs are NPEs themselves. The mission and philosophy behind your efforts are certainly honorable — and the results you seek clearly aim to move innovations into the marketplace for societal good — but in most cases it takes a third party to take your technology forward. And the strategies used by aggregators and other NPEs can provide critical lessons in how to advance and protect your IP. That’s why our Distance Learning Division has asked two experts to dissect the pros and cons of this highly controversial issue, and leave you empowered to draw from “troll” strengths, as well as identify the strategies that will protect you in the event of a patent troll “attack.” Join us for a pull-no-punches audioconference that will clarify your best options and tactics when trolls, NPEs and aggregators come knocking on your door: What Patent Trolls Can Teach TTOs About Extracting Value From IP will be held on Thursday, April 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EDT. For full program details and to register, CLICK HERE.

Did you miss today’s University Start-up Best Practices audioprogram? It’s not too late! CLICK HERE to purchase the recorded session on CD, MP3, or print transcript.

Four unique tech transfer audioconferences on tap

David Schwartz — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:31:55 +0000

Our Distance Learning Division has four outstanding audioprograms scheduled over the coming two months. For complete information or to register for any of the events, just click on the titles below. To register for multiple events at significantly discounted rates using our Distance Learning Subscription program and see our schedule through March 2010, CLICK HERE.

April 15, 2009: University Start-Up Best Practices: Building a Foundation for Survival and a Path to Profits
April 30, 2009: What Patent Trolls Can Teach TTOs About Extracting Value From IP
May 14, 2009: License Negotiation Workshop for Tech Transfer Professionals: Real-World Tactics for Maximizing Licensing Revenues
May 29, 2009: Create a Winning Incentive System for Tech Transfer Staff

April audioconferences focus on university start-ups, patent trolls

David Schwartz — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:25:55 +0000

We’ve got two great events scheduled for April, both filled with how-to strategies and advice designed to extract more value from your university’s innovations. University Start-Up Best Practices: Building a Foundation for Survival and a Path to Profits will be held Wednesday, April 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EDT. Featuring Brian Cummings from the University of Utah — ranked 2nd nationally for start-up activity — and Gerard Eldering of InnovateTech, this program will deliver practical tools that you can put into practice immediately. They’ll cover:

Identifying local resources to support your start-up
Start-up licenses: do’s and don’ts
Handling “vanity” start-ups
Options for faculty involvement
Obtaining critical funding even in the current economic climate
Metrics to gauge success — and predict failure
Business planning
Recruiting and retaining top management talent
Creating a start-up culture
The best and worst business models
Incubation and support strategies
Structuring equity deals
Exit strategies

CLICK HERE to register or for complete program details.

What Patent Trolls Can Teach TTOs About Extracting Value From IP is scheduled for Thursday, April 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EDT. Presented by IP attorneys Mary Anthony Merchant, PhD, and Lawrence K. Nodine of Atlanta-based Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll LLP, participants in this eye-opening session will learn:

What — and who — is a troll, really?
The critical differences between NPEs, trolls and patent aggregators
The pros and cons of patent trolls as they pertain to university IP
What the “troll” model can teach TTOs about strengthening their IP portfolio
How to protect your IP from troll “attacks”
The troll stigma: balancing the intangible costs with potential benefits
Using patent landscape analysis to identify threats
Contracting to assure your technology isn’t “held hostage”
Detailed look at Intellectual Ventures
When to take the money and run
Successfully dealing with faculty and administration concerns
Adapting troll “blocking” strategies for your own strategic needs

CLICK HERE to register or for complete program details.

Final week to enroll for Invention Assessment and Triage audioconference

David Schwartz — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:53:29 +0000

There’s just one week left to register for Invention Assessment and Triage: Improve Your TTO’s Process and Optimize Resource Allocation. This idea- and strategy-filled audioseminar is a must for tech transfer professionals facing budget and staffing shortfalls, despite continuing pressure to get more deals done and more revenue in the door. We’ve assembled a top-notch panel of tech transfer veterans who’ve stared down the growing piles of disclosures — and took action to reduce wasted time by systematically prioritizing their most valuable and promising IP. Join us next Tuesday for this unique, low-cost audioconference filled with solid takeaways and practical, how-two guidance that will help you overcome workload pressures and more efficiently apply your limited resources to IP that matters. CLICK HERE for complete details and to register.

COMING IN APRIL: University Start-Up Best Practices and What Patent Trolls Can Teach TTOs About Extracting Value From IP

Shake loose more funding for early-stage research

David Schwartz — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:39:39 +0000

With tightening public research budgets, a beaten down economy, and a declining appetite for risk among early-stage investors, a perfect storm is lurking for university research funding. Now more than ever it’s critical for TTOs to sharpen their strategies for securing research dollars, using creative tenacity and key best practices to establish both internal funding mechanisms and tactics for attracting outside investments. That’s why Tech Transfer E-News parent company 2Market Information has released the newly expanded 2009 Tech Transfer IP Funding Bundle, a collection of three great resources priced $186 lower than when each is purchased individually. This one-of-a-kind multi-media pack includes our just-published 32-page book Early Stage Funding Strategies, and two audio CDs: VCs and Angels Speak to TTOs: What We Want to See, And What We Don’t; and Escaping the Valley of Death: Overcome the Funding Gap for Early-Stage University IP. All three resources will provide you with top-notch strategies guaranteed to beef up your funding efforts while creating a platform for increased commercialization of IP. For details or to order, CLICK HERE.

April audioconference schedule focuses on university start-ups, patent trolls

David Schwartz — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:22:37 +0000

Technology Transfer Tactics’ parent company 2Market Information Inc. has announced its April schedule of audioconferences, addressing two key challenges for tech transfer professionals.

On Wednesday, April 15 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. eastern, we’ll spotlight success strategies for university spinouts, which have become central to TTO performance in the current economic environment. “University Start-Up Best Practices: Building a Foundation for Survival and a Path to Profits,” features Brian Cummings of the University of Utah — which ranks 2nd nationally in start-up activity — and Gerard Eldering of InnovateTech. The program will cover:

Identifying regional resources to support your start-up venture
Pre-seed funding opportunities you must tap in the current economic climate
Metrics to gauge success and predict failure
Detailed funding and management plans
Obtaining favorable start-up licensing terms
Bootstrapping tactics
Securing seed and A-round funding
Governance best practices
Defining the inventor’s role
The best — and worst — business models

On Thursday, April 30 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. eastern, expect a lively and controversial session in “What Patent Trolls Can Teach TTOs About Extracting Value From IP.” Presented by: Mary Anthony Merchant, PhD, and Lawrence K. Nodine of Atlanta-based IP law firm Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, this audioconference will detail:

The pros and cons of patent trolls as they pertain to university IP
The important differences between NPEs, trolls and patent aggregators — and how to tell who’s who
How your TTO can use the “troll” business approach to your advantage both in firming up your IP portfolio and boosting deal flow
How to protect your IP from patent trolls
Patent landscape analysis strategies — and what to do with the results
When you should pay the troll’s toll — and what you get for your money
The truth behind the Intellectual Ventures model
Using the troll’s “blocking” strategy to protect your own innovations

PLUS: Don’t miss tomorrow’s 2-hour event: IP Valuation Workshop for Tech Transfer Professionals. CLICK HERE to register now.

Don’t miss this practical valuation audio workshop for TTOs

David Schwartz — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:25:04 +0000

Just over a week remains to register for IP Valuation Workshop for Tech Transfer Professionals. This special two-hour event will be held March 19, 2009, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT. We’ve partnered with valuation expert Richard Sheehan of Technology Resource of the Southeast to bring you a nuts and bolts audio seminar that will go beyond the general and deliver the tools, skills, and specifics you need to put valuation knowledge to work. You’ll leave with a workable valuation blueprint and useful tools, models, and formulas that will help you fill the void in pre-negotiation valuation data. Please CLICK HERE for complete program details and to register.

COMING MARCH 31: Learn how to better prioritize your most promising IP and devote your limited time and resources to innovations that matter. Register today for Invention Assessment and Triage: Improve Your TTO’s Process and Optimize Resource Allocation

Last day for discount on valuation audio workshop for TTOs

David Schwartz — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:26:19 +0000

The early-bird discount for registrations to IP Valuation Workshop for Tech Transfer Professionals, a $50 savings off the regular enrollment fee, expires at midnight on Thursday, March 5th. This special two-hour event will be held March 19, 2009, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT. We’ve partnered with valuation expert Richard Sheehan of Technology Resource of the Southeast to bring you an interactive and PRACTICAL audio seminar that will go beyond the general and deliver the tools, skills, and specifics you need to put valuation knowledge to work. You’ll leave with a workable valuation blueprint and useful tools, models, and formulas that will help you fill the void in pre-negotiation valuation data. Please CLICK HERE for complete program details and to register.

COMING MARCH 31: Invention Assessment and Triage: Improve Your TTO’s Process and Optimize Resource Allocation

Hands-on valuation workshop for TTO managers, staff

David Schwartz — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 21:30:53 +0000

Despite valuation’s central role in successful commercialization, most tech transfer professionals don’t have the tools and know-how necessary to arrive at a reliable dollar figure — and the cost for outside consultants can be a budget buster. What’s worse, unless you invest several days and thousands of dollars in an intensive in-person course, training in valuation too often just skims the surface of what you need, and leaves you without enough usable know-how and guidance you can actually apply to your IP. To close that gap, our Distance Learning Division has scheduled a special two-hour event: IP Valuation Workshop for Tech Transfer Professionals, Thursday, March 19, 2009, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT. We’ve partnered with valuation expert Richard Sheehan of Technology Resource of the Southeast to bring you an interactive and PRACTICAL audio seminar that will go beyond the general and deliver the tools, skills, and specifics you need to put valuation knowledge to work. You’ll leave with a workable valuation blueprint and useful tools, models, and formulas that will help you fill the void in pre-negotiation valuation data. Please CLICK HERE for complete program details or to register.

PLUS, JUST ONE DAY LEFT TO REGISTER: Thursday, Feb. 26: Great Ideas for Improving Faculty Outreach and Enhancing Researcher-TTO Relations

Strategies for getting your faculty on the tech transfer team

David Schwartz — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:30:25 +0000

Countless inventions representing millions in potential revenues sit idle simply because many university researchers either aren’t aware of the extent of their university TTO’s expertise and activities, or worse yet they lack faith in the TTO’s ability to move the innovation forward. Still others may fear that getting too involved in commercialization efforts will cut into their research activity, or they may harbor preconceived biases and deep misgivings about setting foot in the business world and “selling out” to corporate “suits” and pencil pushers. Then there is another category of faculty researchers — those who want to work with the TTO but whose know-how surrounding the research commercialization process, IP protection, and other key aspects of moving innovations from lab to market is elementary at best. But regardless of the barriers, difficulties, and misconceptions, you must develop effective, creative ways of reaching out to and educating your faculty. That’s why our Distance Learning Division has recruited Guy Diedrich, Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations and Commercialization with The Texas A&M University System, to help you overcome faculty resistance, enhance researcher communication and education, and build critically important, positive relationships with your most important resource — your inventors. Join us on Thursday, February 26 for a live international audioconference: Great Ideas for Improving Faculty Outreach and Enhancing Researcher-TTO Relations. CLICK HERE for complete program details or to register.

PLUS: Two more great professional development opportunities in March:

a unique, 2-hour hands-on event: IP Valuation Workshop for Tech Transfer Professionals, March 19;
practical guidance on overcoming backlogs and focusing your efforts on IP that matters: Invention Assessment and Triage — Improve Your TTO’s Process and Optimize Resource Allocation, March 31.

Strategies for improving faculty outreach and cementing TTO-researcher relations

David Schwartz — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:22:41 +0000

Countless inventions representing millions in potential revenues sit idle simply because many university researchers either aren’t aware of the extent of their university TTO’s expertise and activities, or worse yet they lack faith in the TTO’s ability to move the innovation forward. Still others may fear that getting too involved in commercialization efforts will cut into their research activity, or they may harbor preconceived biases and deep misgivings about setting foot in the business world and “selling out” to corporate “suits” and pencil pushers. Then there is another category of faculty researchers — those who want to work with the TTO but whose know-how surrounding the research commercialization process, IP protection, and other key aspects of moving innovations from lab to market is elementary at best. It all adds up to one tough but essential truth: Regardless of the barriers, difficulties, and misconceptions, you must develop effective, creative ways of reaching out to and educating your faculty. That’s why our Distance Learning Division has recruited Guy Diedrich, Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations and Commercialization with The Texas A&M University System, to help you overcome faculty resistance, enhance researcher communication and education, and build critically important, positive relationships with your most important resource — your inventors. Join us on Thursday, February 26 for a live international audioconference: Great Ideas for Improving Faculty Outreach and Enhancing Researcher-TTO Relations. CLICK HERE for complete program details or to register.

PLUS: Coming March 19th: IP Valuation Workshop for Tech Transfer Professionals

Just announced: Valuation Workshop for Tech Transfer Professionals

David Schwartz — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:39:15 +0000

Having a reasonable expectation of valuation for innovations in your IP portfolio is critically important for many reasons: to strengthen your negotiating position, prioritize your cases, assess your department’s revenue goals, allocate resources effectively, and ultimately optimize the value of the deals you sign. Yet despite its central role in successful commercialization, most tech transfer professionals don’t have the tools and know-how necessary to arrive at a reliable dollar figure — and the cost for outside consultants can be a budget buster. Too often, self-administered valuations are either too generous or they undercut the value of your institution’s IP because of faulty calculations, or by employing the wrong methodology for a particular asset. What’s worse, unless you invest several days and thousands of dollars in an intensive in-person course, training in valuation too often just skims the surface of what you need, and leaves you without enough usable know-how and guidance you can actually apply to your IP. To close that gap, our Distance Learning Division has just announced a special two-hour event: IP Valuation Workshop for Tech Transfer Professionals, Thursday, March 19, 2009, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT. We’ve partnered with valuation expert Richard Sheehan of Technology Resource of the Southeast to bring you an interactive and PRACTICAL audio seminar that will go beyond the general and deliver the tools, skills, and specifics you need to put valuation knowledge to work. You’ll leave with a workable valuation blueprint and useful tools, models, and formulas that will help you fill the void in pre-negotiation valuation data. Please CLICK HERE for complete program details or to register.

AND DON’T MISS THESE UPCOMING AUDIOCONFERENCES:

Next Tuesday, Feb. 10: A Step-by-Step Guide to Business Planning for Tech Transfer Organizations
Thursday, Feb. 26: Great Ideas for Improving Faculty Outreach and Enhancing Researcher-TTO Relations

February tech transfer audioconferences cover business planning, faculty outreach

David Schwartz — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:25:58 +0000

2Market Information Inc., parent company of Tech Transfer E-News, is holding two valuable distance learning events next month focusing on two topics of keen interest to IP professionals: business planning, and faculty outreach strategies.

Click on the titles below for complete program details or to register:

February 10th: A Step-by-Step Guide to Business Planning for TTOs, offering a crash course in how to create business plans the way early-stage technology investors want to see them;
February 26th: Great Ideas for Improving Faculty Outreach and Enhancing Researcher-TTO Relations, providing dozens of practical, creative ways of reaching out to and educating your faculty — and turning them into allies and team members in creating start-ups; disclosing, protecting, and marketing their technologies; and finding corporate partners and licensees to bring their research to the marketplace.

Last week to register: Internship Best Practices for TTOs

David Schwartz — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:24:42 +0000

For most tech transfer offices, there’s just not enough time in the day — or enough hands on deck. And in the current economic climate, chances are the workload for you and your staff will not be getting any lighter. That could mean rising backlogs of invention disclosures, slower response times, missed revenue opportunities, disgruntled faculty — and a big increase in stress. But there is a proven way to bring on aggressive and talented help without busting your budget, and process more invention files than ever — even in the midst of cutbacks. How? By creating and expanding your tech transfer intern program, adding highly motivated students to your team, getting more done without added staff or benefits costs, and providing a rich learning experience for students at the same time. Technology Transfer Tactics has recruited two tech transfer veterans whose intern programs are widely recognized at best-of-breed: Lesley Millar from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Brendan Rauw with Columbia University’s Science and Technology Ventures. Each has created a unique, simple, and proven method of recruiting and maintaining intern staffs that have become central to productivity gains and the overall improvement of tech transfer assessment and triage efforts. Join us next Tuesday, January 27, 2009, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 EST, for a practical, step-by-step look at how to adapt these programs in your own organization: Internship Best Practices for TTOs: How Students Can Help Drive Successful Tech Transfer. This is the last week to register, so CLICK HERE now and don’t miss this valuable session.

Plus, coming next month, two more outstanding distance learning opportunities:

February 10: A Step-by-Step Guide to Business Planning for Tech Transfer Organizations
February 26: 23 Great Ideas for Improving Faculty Outreach and Enhancing Researcher-TTO Relations

Three valuable distance learning opportunities for tech transfer professional

David Schwartz — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:26:10 +0000

Don’t miss these three upcoming events produced by our Distance Learning Division. Click on any of the individual links below for complete information on specific programs, and CLICK HERE for full details, and click on any of the individual links below for complete information on specific programs:

* January 20: Recession Survival Strategies for TTOs: How to Grow Despite Budget Cuts and Economic Mayhem (FREE for our loyal customers; only $79 for AUTM members. Plus, a FREE podcast preview is available HERE.)
* January 27: Internship Best Practices for TTOs: How Student Team Members Can Boost Overall Productivity, Reduce Costs and Speed IP Assessment and Triage.
* February 10: A Step-By-Step Guide to Business Planning for Tech Transfer Organizations.

Audioconferences tackle critical issues for TTOs

David Schwartz — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:39:42 +0000

To help keep professional development costs low while expanding training opportunities for TTO staff, our Distance Learning Division is expanding its offerings in 2009. Below is the line-up of events over the next month, and we have also introduced a Distance Learning Subscription Program that allows you to customize a training schedule at a significant discount off the regular registration fees. CLICK HERE for full details, and click on any of the individual links below for complete information on specific programs:

January 8: Best Practices and Trends in Royalty Monetization.
January 20: Recession Survival Strategies for TTOs: How to Grow Despite Budget Cuts and Economic Mayhem (FREE for our loyal customers; only $79 for AUTM members. Plus, a FREE podcast preview is available HERE.)
January 27: Internship Best Practices for TTOs: How Student Team Members Can Boost Overall Productivity, Reduce Costs and Speed IP Assessment and Triage.
February 10: A Step-By-Step Guide to Business Planning for Tech Transfer Organizations.

End-of-year CD savings extended to January 15

David Schwartz — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:21:57 +0000

An end-of-year 60% discount applying to our library of past audioconferences on CD or MP3 has been extended until January 15, recognizing that many of our readers may have missed the sale pricing due to holiday vacations. Please CLICK HERE for complete information.

Podcast interview with Dr. Phyl Speser about how TTOs can thrive during the economic crisis

Debi Melillo — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:30:06 +0000

Dr. Phyl Speser of Foresight Science and Technology spoke to Technology Transfer Tactics’ recently to discuss the opportunities for TTOs that lie hidden beneath the current economic downturn. Click here to listen!

Note: Dr. Speser will be our featured speaker at the January 27 audioconference “Recession Survival Strategies for TTOs: How to Grow Despite Budget Cuts and Economic Mayhem.” We have a limited number of free lines set aside for our paid customers and discounted lines for AUTM members. Click here for more information.

Don’t let your TTO’s royalty dollars slip away — less than 24 hours left to register!

David Schwartz — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:01:20 +0000

In this tough economy and with TTO budgets tightening, you simply can’t afford to let royalty dollars slip through your fingers. Yet without an effective audit program in place, you may be losing literally tens of thousands of dollars — or more — due to under-reporting. Here’s your chance to get the practical know-how you need to begin an audit program, bolster your existing efforts, and recoup much-needed dollars your university is rightfully due. Join audit expert Dan Burns of Daniel Burns Associates for an audioconference event that promises to bring you a tremendous return-on-investment: Royalty Audits: Are You Getting What You Bargained For? It’s not too late to register, but you must act now — this how-to session is scheduled for tomorrow, December 18, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. eastern. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the most common and hard-to-spot areas where under-reporting occurs, how the audit process works, and how to proceed once you’ve received the results and identified discrepancies. To register of for full program information, CLICK HERE.

Plus, coming January 8, Best Practices and Trends in Royalty Monetization. CLICK HERE for complete details.

Audioconference to deliver best practices in royalty monetization

David Schwartz — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:56:19 +0000

On the heels of blockbuster deals like Emory University’s $540 million monetization of its Emtriva royalty, more buyers are in the market and more TTO’s are examining the pros and cons of monetizing the royalties in their portfolios. In the meantime, deal structures are changing rapidly — with dozens of models, hybrids, and complex formulas multiplied by at least as many scenarios and external factors that color each opportunity. Expert guidance is imperative to secure the best deal for your organization. That’s why Technology Transfer Tactics Distance Learning Division has partnered with the team that handled the game-changing Emtriva deal in a one-of-a-kind international audioconference event: Best Practices and Trends in Royalty Monetization, Thursday, January 8, 2009, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. eastern time. Join Steve Sencer of Emory University, Mike Herman of Royalty Pharma, and John Gourary of Covington & Burling LLP — all of whom were involved in Emory University’s Emtriva deal — to learn:

The latest royalty monetization market statistics and trends
The critical factors to consider in evaluating a monetization deal
How to anticipate and handle outside influences and pressures
How to evaluate interest in monetization of your royalty stream
The roles and duties of external advisors (financial intermediary, valuation consultant, outside counsel)
Negotiation strategies and tactics
How to choose the right structure

CLICK HERE for complete program details and to register.

Plus, just 8 days remain to register for Royalty Audits: Are You Getting What You Bargained For? December 18, 2008, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. eastern. CLICK HERE for details.

Capture every dollar you’re due with an effective royalty audit program

2Market Information, Inc. — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:04:44 +0000

In this tough economy and with TTO budgets tightening, you simply can’t afford to let royalty dollars slip through your fingers. Yet without an effective audit program in place, you may be losing literally tens of thousands of dollars — or more — due to under-reporting. Here’s your chance to get the practical know-how you need to begin an audit program, bolster your existing efforts, and recoup much-needed dollars your university is rightfully due. Join audit expert Dan Burns of Daniel Burns Associates for an audioconference event that promises to bring you a tremendous return-on-investment: Royalty Audits: Are You Getting What You Bargained For? scheduled for December 18, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. eastern. In this how-to session, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the most common and hard-to-spot areas where under-reporting occurs, how the audit process works, and how to proceed once you’ve received the results and identified discrepancies. To register of for more information, CLICK HERE. Plus, coming January 8, Best Practices and Trends in Royalty Monetization.

Capture every dollar you’re due with an effective royalty audit program

David Schwartz — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:07:20 +0000

In this tough economy and with TTO budgets tightening, you simply can’t afford to let royalty dollars slip through your fingers. Yet without an effective audit program in place, you may be losing literally tens of thousands of dollars — or more — due to under-reporting. Here’s your chance to get the practical know-how you need to begin an audit program, bolster your existing efforts, and recoup much-needed dollars your university is rightfully due. Join audit expert Dan Burns of Daniel Burns Associates for an audioconference event that promises to bring you a tremendous return-on-investment: Royalty Audits: Are You Getting What You Bargained For? scheduled for December 18, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. eastern. In this how-to session, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the most common and hard-to-spot areas where under-reporting occurs, how the audit process works, and how to proceed once you’ve received the results and identified discrepancies. To register of for more information, CLICK HERE.

Note: This is the last day to register for the live webinar, Selling University IP In Cyberspace: Best Practices In Web-Based Marketing For Tech Transfer Professionals, Thursday, November 20, 2008, 1:00-2:30 p.m. eastern. For full details or to register, CLICK HERE.

Last week to register: Web-based Marketing for Tech Transfer Professionals

David Schwartz — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:19:42 +0000

There’s just a week left to register for Selling University IP In Cyberspace: Best Practices In Web-Based Marketing For Tech Transfer Professionals, a live webinar scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2008, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. eastern time. Technology Transfer Tactics and Intellectual Property Marketing Advisor have teamed up with a duo of web marketing veterans — an SEO, SEM and web site expert and an e-mail marketing guru — to bring you this practical, strategy-filled 90-minute session. You’ll learn detailed tactics and techniques to turn your web site and electronic marketing efforts into valuable tools for building your brand, generating leads, and getting your IP in front of more potential licensees — so you can sign more deals. For complete program and faculty details or to register, CLICK HERE.

And don’t miss Royalty Audits: Are You Getting What You Bargained For? to be held December 18, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. eastern. In this how-to session, a leading audit expert will show you how to begin an audit program or bolster your existing efforts, and recoup tens of thousands — even millions — of dollars your organization is rightfully due. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the most common and hard-to-spot areas where under-reporting occurs, how the audit process works, and how to proceed once you’ve received the results and identified discrepancies. To register of for more information, CLICK HERE.

Audioconferences offer expert guidance on web-based IP marketing, royalty audits

David Schwartz — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:19:30 +0000

Two upcoming audioconferences will offer expert, detailed guidance for tech transfer professionals on two area with different but equally significant potential to boost licensing revenues. Selling University IP In Cyberspace: Best Practices In Web-Based Marketing For Tech Transfer Professionals, being held November 20th from 1:00-2:30 p.m. eastern time, features to web marketing veterans — an SEO, SEM and website expert and an e-mail marketing guru. They’ll outline proven tactics and techniques to turn your website and electronic marketing efforts into valuable tools for building your TTO’s brand, generating leads, and getting your IP if front of more licensee “eyeballs” — so you can sign more deals. CLICK HERE for complete program and faculty details or to register.

Royalty Audits: Are You Getting What You Bargained For? is scheduled for December 18, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. eastern. In this how-to session, a leading audit expert will show you how to begin an audit program or bolster your existing efforts, and recoup tens of thousands — even millions — of dollars your university is rightfully due. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the most common and hard-to-spot areas where under-reporting occurs, how the audit process works, and how to proceed once you’ve received the results and identified discrepancies. To register of for more information, CLICK HERE.

Audioconferences offer expert guidance on web-based IP marketing, royalty audits

David Schwartz — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:54:57 +0000

Royalty Audits: Are You Getting What You Bargained For? is scheduled for December 18, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. eastern. In this how-to session, a leading audit expert will show you how to begin an audit program or bolster your existing efforts, and recoup tens of thousands — even millions — of dollars your university is rightfully due. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the most common and hard-to-spot areas where under-reporting occurs, how the audit process works, and how to proceed once you’ve received the results and identified discrepancies. To register of for more information, CLICK HERE.

Web marketing help for TTOs

David Schwartz — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:01:59 +0000

Web-based marketing is an essential, low-cost component to any TTO’s marketing plan. If you’re not incorporating search engine marketing and optimization, e-mail, social marketing, and other valuable web marketing channels into your overall strategy, you’re missing out on golden opportunities to promote and license your organization’s technologies. That’s why Technology Transfer Tactics and Intellectual Property Marketing Advisor have teamed up with a duo of web marketing veterans — an SEO, SEM and website expert and an e-mail marketing guru — to bring you a practical, strategy-filled 90-minute webinar: Selling University IP In Cyberspace: Best Practices In Web-Based Marketing For Tech Transfer Professionals, Thursday, November 20, 2008, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. eastern time. In this how-to session, you’ll learn detailed tactics and techniques to turn your website and electronic marketing efforts into valuable tools for building your TTO’s brand, generating leads, and getting your IP if front of more licensee “eyeballs” — so you can sign more deals. For complete program and faculty details or to register, CLICK HERE.

Webinar to help improve your online marketing and license more IP

David Schwartz — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:34:57 +0000

Last week to register: “Patent Update for Tech Transfer Professionals”

David Schwartz — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:12:04 +0000

Don’t miss Patent Law Update for Tech Transfer Professionals: What’s Now, What’s Next and What You Need to Do, a live audioconference scheduled for October 14 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. eastern. Two leading patent attorney-tech transfer experts will lay out a roadmap for navigating the shifting rules and minefields represented by recent decisions, pending cases, and coming rule changes. You’ll learn how these rulings and legislative initiatives affect the licensing deals and contracts you’re working on now.

Key clauses for improving your agreements
Current status of USPTO rules packages and related litigation
Update on “Patent Reform” legislation and future prospects
The latest on injunctive relief based on 6 post-eBay cases
License drafting strategies to address MedImmune
Impact of recent declaratory judgment rulings
Changing definitions of patentable subject matter, obviousness
How patent exhaustion rulings affect your licensing strategies

For complete program and faculty information, or to register, CLICK HERE.

Get details on the latest patent law rulings, and how they affect your licensing tactics

David Schwartz — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:08:41 +0000

Key clauses for improving your agreements
Current status of USPTO rules packages and related litigation
Update on “Patent Reform” legislation and future prospects
The latest on injunctive relief based on 6 post-eBay cases
License drafting strategies to address MedImmune
Impact of recent declaratory judgment rulings
Changing definitions of patentable subject matter, obviousness
How patent exhaustion rulings affect your licensing strategies

For complete program and faculty information, or to register, CLICK HERE.

Editor’s note: If you missed yesterday’s audioconference, “VCs and Angels Speak to TTOs,” you can still hear every word on CD or via online audiostream, plus receive all handouts. CLICK HERE for complete information.

One week left to register for “VCs and Angels Speak to TTOs”

David Schwartz — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:46:20 +0000

Less than a week remains to register for VCs and Angels Speak to TTOs: What We Want to See, And What We Don’t, a unique audioconference event next Tuesday, September 30, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. eastern time. Two prominent investors who specialize in university technologies — one a VC, the other an Angel — will give you key insights into the nitty-gritty details of what they want and expect when being courted for funding. You’ll leave this presentation — featuring Eric Nicolaides, founder of Wildcat Venture Management, and Robert L. Morrison, Executive Director of Tucson’s Desert Angels — armed with practical advice, key recommendations, and specific techniques direct from the investors themselves. Then use their guidance to give your TTO and your researchers the very best opportunity to secure critical commercialization funds. To register or for full program information, CLICK HERE.

Audioconferences to offer guidance on securing VC/angel funding, licensing impact of recent patent law developments

David Schwartz — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:07:34 +0000

Two upcoming audioconferences covering topics of critical importance to IP professionals are being offered by 2Market Information Inc., parent company of Tech Transfer E-News and Technology Transfer Tactics. VCs and Angels Speak to TTOs: What We Want to See, And What We Don’t, to be held September 30 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. eastern, features two prominent investors who specialize in university technologies — one a VC, the other an Angel. They’ll provide insider insight into the nitty-gritty details of what they want — and expect — when being courted for funding. CLICK HERE to register or for full program and faculty details.

Patent Law Update for Tech Transfer Professionals: What’s Now, What’s Next and What You Need to Do is scheduled for October 14 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. eastern. Two leading patent attorney-tech transfer experts will lay out a roadmap for navigate the shifting rules and minefields represented by recent decisions, pending cases, and coming rule changes. You’ll learn how these rulings and legislative initiatives affect the licensing deals and contracts you’re working on now.

Key clauses for improving your agreements
Current status of USPTO rules packages and related litigation
Update on “Patent Reform” legislation and future prospects
The latest on injunctive relief based on 6 post-eBay cases
License drafting strategies to address MedImmune
Impact of recent declaratory judgment rulings
Changing definitions of patentable subject matter, obviousness
How patent exhaustion rulings affect your licensing strategies

For complete program and faculty information, or to register, CLICK HERE.

Insider secrets to getting VC and Angel funding for your innovations

David Schwartz — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:22:14 +0000

How can you learn the insider secrets that will get your innovations the attention they deserve from investors? How about a direct approach — ask them! Technology Transfer Tactics has lined up two prominent investors who specialize in university technologies — one a VC, the other an Angel — to give you insight into the nitty-gritty details of what they want — and expect — when being courted for funding. Join us on Tuesday, September 30, 2008, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EDT, for a unique audioconference event: VCs and Angels Speak to TTOs: What We Want to See, And What We Don’t. You’ll leave this presentation — featuring Eric Nicolaides, founder of Wildcat Venture Management, and Robert L. Morrison, Executive Director of Tucson’s Desert Angels — armed with practical advice, key recommendations, and specific techniques direct from the investors themselves. Then use their guidance and specific “do’s and don’ts” to give your TTO and your researchers the very best opportunity to secure critical commercialization funds. To register or for full program information, CLICK HERE.

VCs and Angels tell TTOs: Want our money? Here’s how to get it

David Schwartz — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:56:25 +0000

How can you learn the insider secrets that will get your innovations the attention they deserve from these very choosy investors? How about a direct approach — ask them! Technology Transfer Tactics has lined up two prominent investors who specialize in university technologies — one a VC, the other an Angel — to give you insight into the nitty-gritty details of what they want — and expect — when being courted for funding. Join us on Tuesday, September 30, 2008, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EDT, for a unique audioconference event: VCs and Angels Speak to TTOs: What We Want to See, And What We Don’t. You’ll leave this presentation — featuring Eric Nicolaides, founder of Wildcat Venture Management, and Robert L. Morrison, Executive Director of Tucson’s Desert Angels — armed with practical advice, key recommendations, and specific techniques direct from the investors themselves. Then use their guidance and specific “do’s and don’ts” to give your TTO and your researchers the very best opportunity to secure critical commercialization funds. To register or for full program information, CLICK HERE.

VCs, Angels to reveal secrets to snagging investment dollars

David Schwartz — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:46:19 +0000

How can you learn the insider secrets that will get your innovations the attention they deserve from these very choosy investors? How about a direct approach — ask them!

Technology Transfer Tactics has lined up two prominent investors who specialize in university technologies — one a VC, the other an Angel — to give you insight into the nitty-gritty details of what they want — and expect — when being courted for funding. Join us on Tuesday, September 30, 2008, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EDT, for a unique audioconference event: VCs and Angels Speak to TTOs: What We Want to See, And What We Don’t. You’ll leave this presentation — featuring Eric Nicolaides, founder of Wildcat Venture Management, and Robert L. Morrison, Executive Director of Tucson’s Desert Angels — armed with practical advice, key recommendations, and specific techniques direct from the investors themselves. Then use their guidance and specific “do’s and don’ts” to give your TTO and your researchers the very best opportunity to secure critical commercialization funds. To register or for full program information, CLICK HERE.

Editor’s note: If you missed yesterday’s audioconference on performance improvement strategies for TTOs, you can still get the audiostream or CD version plus all handouts. CLICK HERE for full details.

Last week to register: Performance improvement strategies for TTOs

David Schwartz — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:30:26 +0000

We’ve lined up two successful tech transfer executives — Michael Pazzani from Rutgers University and David Allen with the University of Colorado — to share their strategies and tactics in a special audioconference presentation. Join us next Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. eastern, for a live international event: “Performance improvement strategies and techniques for tech transfer offices: Boost efficiency and get more accomplished every day.” Both these TTOs have produced dramatic turnarounds by streamlining processes, cutting paperwork, speeding response time, and boosting staff productivity. You’ll learn in detail how they assess performance, then use that feedback to guide improvements in processes and productivity — and ultimately boost their results in terms of licenses, start-ups, cost reductions, faculty service, and revenues. You’ll come away with dozens of usable ideas and tactics you can implement in your own organization. If you can’t attend live, streaming audio and CD recordings are available. For full program information or to register, CLICK HERE.

Boost your TTO’s results with proven performance improvement strategies

David Schwartz — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:24:35 +0000

Michael Pazzani and Dave Allen, tech transfer leaders from Rutgers University and University of Colorado, respectively, have each overseen dramatic turnarounds of their TTOs’ performance. They’ve streamlined processes, cut paperwork, speeded response time, and boosted staff productivity — and their efforts have paid off handsomely in the form of more license agreements and dramatic increases in revenues. We’ve arranged for both of these TTO veterans to share the details of their strategies and tactics in a special audioconference presentation: “Performance improvement strategies and techniques for tech transfer offices: Boost efficiency and get more accomplished every day.” The live session will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2008, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. eastern daylight time. You’ll learn how these two leading TTOs assess their performance, then use those results to guide improvements in processes and productivity — and ultimately boost their results in terms of licenses, start-ups, cost reductions, faculty service, and revenues. For full program details or to register, CLICK HERE.

Performance improvement for TTOs: Boost efficiency and get more accomplished every day

David Schwartz — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:30:22 +0000

Technology commercialization expert offers online training classes

David Schwartz — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:21:05 +0000

A well-known research commercialization consultant is offer online training courses in two separate tracks for tech transfer professionals and entrepreneurs that feature personal coaching, education and training in commercialization strategies and principles, and tools and techniques to help participants effectively capitalize on the business opportunities that scientific and technical ideas represent. The online seminars feature Wendy Kennedy, a former professor of technology-in-business, an entrepreneur, and author of So what? who cares? why you?® The Inventor’s Commercialization Toolkit. She works globally with inventors, entrepreneurs and commercialization organizations to integrate and apply the book’s concepts to their specific circumstances. The monthly 90-minute sessions cover specific topic areas, including upcoming courses on pinpointing customer “hot spots,” using category maps to identify opportunities, strategies for “de-risking” technologies, and entrepreneurial training. Participants participate in exercises to reinforce the concepts and tools provided and receive worksheets, checklists, and templates to apply the concepts in their own organizations. For complete information or to register, CLICK HERE.

Don’t miss “Performance improvement strategies for TTOs”

David Schwartz — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:45:16 +0000

The concept of performance improvement can be applied to virtually any organization, including tech transfer offices. But being relatively young and specialized, TTOs don’t have the benefit of well-defined roadmaps for revamping processes and charting a course for boosting efficiency and effectiveness. Yet a handful of TTO directors and research commercialization managers have blazed their own paths to performance improvement. They’ve streamlined processes, cut paperwork, speeded response time, and boosted staff productivity. Their efforts have paid off handsomely in the form of more license agreements and dramatic increases in revenues. We’ve lined up two of the most successful — Michael Pazzani from Rutgers University and the David Allen with the University of Colorado — to share their strategies and tactics in a special audioconference presentation. “Performance improvement strategies and techniques for tech transfer offices: Boost efficiency and get more accomplished every day,” will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2008, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. eastern daylight time. You’ll learn in detail how two leading TTOs assess their performance, then use those results to guide improvements in processes and productivity — and ultimately boost their results in terms of licenses, start-ups, cost reductions, faculty service, and revenues. For full program details or to register, CLICK HERE.

Performance improvement strategies for TTOs to be detailed in August audioconference

David Schwartz — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:37:39 +0000

(Note: If you were unable to attend today’s live audioconference, “Strategies for small tech transfer offices: Doing more with less,” you can still hear every word and receive all handouts with the CD or online audiostream version. CLICK HERE for details.)

One week left to register: “Strategies for small tech transfer offices”

David Schwartz — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:50:16 +0000

Small tech transfer offices can produce big-time results. But with often meager budgets and few staff — yet high expectations from administrators — it takes a special breed of professional and a different set of strategies and skills to pull it off. That’s why we’ve designed an audioconference event just for small TTOs. And we’ve lined up two of the most accomplished small TTO executives — who’ve produced results that many larger schools envy. Now you can learn from their successes and take your tech transfer office to new heights, despite the many challenges you face. Join us on Wednesday, July 23rd, for an event focused on the unique difficulties (and their solutions) — as well as the tremendous opportunities — of running a small TTO: “Strategies for small tech transfer offices: Doing more with less.” For full faculty and program details, CLICK HERE.