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Patents Corner
Technology Transfer Office Services
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by Becky Mahurin
As universities become more involved in applied research and the competitiveness of the private sector, it becomes increasingly important that the intellectual property of its faculty is safeguarded and appropriately transferred. The Intellectual Property Administration and Technology Transfer (TTO) Office exists to assist faculty issues in this regard.
The following is a partial list of services offered by this office:
Invention Reporting. The TTO Office provides invention disclosure forms for documenting and disclosing inventions or developments that result from research performed at MSU or in collaboration with sponsors. This disclosure should be completed and returned to TTO for consideration of patenting activities.
Confidentiality Agreement. As researchers work with potentially patentable intellectual property, it is important to remember that any public disclosure (discussions, presentations, poster sessions, publications) may prohibit patenting. Using a confidentiality agreement can protect against such a bar to patenting. It is important that the university sign off on all confidentiality agreements. This step ensures that such agreement is appropriate and gives proper consideration to the university and the researcher.
Biological Materials Transfer Agreement. As genetically altered materials become more promising in the biotechnology area, it becomes necessary to protect the transfer of that material. MSU has its own standard agreement which, again, needs to be signed off by the TTO Office.
Sponsored Research Agreement. Faculty and companies considering sponsored or collaborative research are required to negotiate an agreement in advance. This agreement will clearly define the disposition of intellectual property and provide faculty with publication privileges.
Research/Facilities Use Agreement. External people or faculty acting as consultants may, according to MSU's Facilities Use Policy, use research facilities for a fair price. The policy and forms are available from the TTO Office.
The TTO Office is located in 304 Montana Hall. If you should have questions about these or other services related to intellectual property or technology transfer, please call me at 994-7868.
Becky Mahurin
Director of the Technology Transfer Office at MSU
© 2000 Montana State University-Bozeman
Discovery September 1996
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