Working with OTT
You have a novel idea. We are the bridge to help you bring it to the world – without having to leave campus.
As Emory University’s foremost resource for commercialization, we manage innovations to maximize their benefit to the University and humanity. We do this through dedicated collaboration with our faculty, identifying promising inventions, and guiding you through every step of commercialization.
Our seasoned licensing team members will work with you to develop, protect, and market your idea into a profitable commercial product that benefits humankind.
Technology transfer requires partnership, and each party has essential roles to play in order to achieve successful commercialization. Here’s an overview.
What are Emory OTT's responsibilities? We evaluate each technology disclosed to our office and identify those most promising for commercialization. Then, we seek intellectual property (IP) protection for those inventions that can benefit the public. We must be selective about inventions given that OTT accepts the investment risks associated with IP protection and prosecution. Additionally, our team works to ensure all legal and commercial documentation in the process is appropriate.
What are the inventor's responsibilities? Each case is unique, as are inventors, and your interaction with our office may depend on various factors. The first step is to contact us to discuss your invention idea. It’s important to stay in touch with OTT licensing associates to ensure we are informed of potential publications, interactions with industry representatives, and communications with potential commercial partners or outside consulting commitments you might have. It is also your responsibility not to share the details of your invention with anyone outside Emory, as doing so may jeopardize patentability.
How long does commercialization take? Developing technologies from discovery stage through commercial success can take months – but it usually takes years. The timeline depends on important factors such as readiness of the technology for the market, competition in marketplace, and investment interest from industry. For example, U.S. patent approval typically takes 18-24 months, and the average time from disclosure to licensing is 5.5 years. The sooner we receive your invention disclosure information, the more prepared we will be to advise you on a commercialization strategy and possible timetable.