Research Affairs - Technology Transfer manages the innovative technology arising from research conducted at Loma Linda University and its affiliates. The Bayh-Dole Act (1980) requires universities to report all inventions arising from federally supported research, and to diligently pursue patent protection and commercialization for new technologies that are commercially promising. Industry-sponsored research and foundation grants may also have requirements for disclosure, as well as expectations regarding licensing of inventions under these research awards.

The Technology Transfer Process

See also the Technology Transfer Flowchart

  1. A researcher contacts Technology Transfer for a consultation or to disclose an invention (research material, software, digital media). Disclosures and licensing of inventions meets LLU’s obligations to our research sponsors including the US Government.
  2. Technology Transfer may set up a meeting with the researcher to discuss the invention in the context of the research project’s goals. Through the LLU review and approval process, Technology Transfer helps evaluate the invention’s suitability for transfer outside LLU, which may include an assessment of commercial viability and patent-ability.
  3. With the participation of the research team, Technology Transfer may use a variety of intellectual property management tools (patent, copyright, and trademark) to support a technology transfer plan.
  4. Following various marketing efforts, the technology transfer process may result in licensing the technology and associated intellectual property rights to other researchers, end-users, established companies, or startup companies for further development. Our licenses provide for distribution of royalties and income to LLU and the researcher, diligence, preservation of the LLU publication and research rights, and a transfer of commercial risk to industry partners.
  5. Some inventions are market-ready and can be licensed to end-users. Technology Transfer expedites the commercialization by offering multiple channels for end-user licenses.

When to Contact Research Affairs - Technology Transfer

Because technology transfer can take many paths, it is important to meet with us as early as possible to discuss your invention.

  1. Prior to public disclosure of your invention and prior to the close out of your federally or externally funded research projects.
  2. At the start of a research project so we can help to identify possible paths and hurdles related to intellectual property, help in the consolidation of rights, and start planning early for future commercialization or external access.

Keep us informed as your plans and technologies evolve. We can help you identify problems in advance and find solutions related to managing the rights.