The first of this two-part feature was published Feb. 2. You can read it here.
Q: How can I help with the commercialization of my work?
A: Indiana University Research and Technology Corp. typically follows a delayed path of patent prosecution to allow time for the invention to be developed and to find a commercial partner. A patent application only protects what is claimed in the application itself. As you conduct additional research, you should advise IURTC of any improvements that should be added. Again, this should be in advance of any public disclosure.
Eventually, the patent application will be examined by the patent office. Usually, the initial response from the patent office is a rejection. There can be numerous reasons for the rejection, but very often the basis of it is technical in nature. In these instances, input from the inventor may be very helpful in overcoming the rejection. IURTC’s response to the patent office must be submitted in a timely manner to avoid payment of late fees as well as the possibility of abandonment of the application for failure to respond. Your timely assistance will help reduce costs and increase the likelihood of obtaining meaningful, and potentially valuable, patent protection.
In summary, successful technology commercialization is a partnership between the inventor and the technology commercialization office. We can’t do it alone.
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Bill Brizzard is director of technology commercialization for the Bloomington campus for the Indiana University Research and Technology Corp. IURTC helps researchers across all campuses in the IU system bring promising research and innovations to market. You can contact Bill at bbrizzar@iu.edu, 812-855-3597.
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