Patents, licenses expand value of research

The cutting-edge research done at many universities, including Wright State, can reap big rewards when it is put into use by business and industry. The rewards can benefit the researcher, the university and the local economy. But moving that research from the laboratory into practical use requires a knowledge of state regulations and patent law. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs can help ensure that Wright State researchers obtain the full benefits of their research work.

"We have lots of people at doing interesting work, who may have already contacted a company without realizing they should have come through our office first," said Bill Sellers, director. "According to state law, the ownership of an invention has to be transferred to Wright State if the inventor created something using university property, time or facilities."

When an invention is brought to the attention of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, it's assessed for potential marketability. If the invention is deemed marketable, the office submits an application for patent to the U.S. Patent Office. Once an invention is patented, it must be licensed in order to make money.

"Our staff then writes a one-page abstract that explains the benefits of the invention to existing technology. We send this marketing piece to companies in the area, as well as nationally, that may be interested in negotiating a license agreement for use of the invention," said Sellers. "The real kernel of the licensing agreement with the company is the royalties provision. The resulting royalties are generally split 50/50 between the inventor and the university."

Wright State holds a total of 44 patents, the first granted in 1977 and the last in January of this year. "Only 11 of the active patents are currently licensed and of those, only three have made money. In 1995, $11,000 in royalties was brought in by the inventions, before the split," added Sellers. "There is great potential to increase this amount. Compared to most universities of our size and resources, Wright State faculty disclose relatively fewer inventions. If more inventors would bring their work to our office, then the possibilities for increased earnings become endless."

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