SBU Technology Transfer Q&A

The University at Stony Brook is a major source of new technology. Over $100 million in research funding at the University generates substantial numbers of new technology disclosures each year. Stony Brook is among the top universities in the country creating new inventions, discoveries, devices and processes, licensing over 25% of its technologies to industry. The SUNY Patent Policy (which the Research Foundation adopts as its own) is available on the RF Public Website.

What is Technology Transfer?

A key goal of the research-intensive university is to disseminate the new knowledge that is created by its faculty. Technology transfer is a principal avenue for the movement of research results from the University to private companies so that products can be developed and commercialized based upon this new knowledge. These results may take the form of inventions, discoveries, processes, techniques, devices, and substances, both physical and biological. The Bayh-Dole Act of 1980 enabled universities to protect companies interested in commercializing technologies, developed with federal research support, by offering exclusive licenses.

How is Technology Transferred?

There are many mechanisms by which technology is transferred. Some are generic, such as publication of scientific results or the training of students and their eventual employment in industry. Specific mechanisms, employed to transfer technology include the following:

(1) License Agreements - are negotiated by the Technology Transfer Office and can be:

• Exclusive or non-exclusive
• Life of the patent or limited term
• Royalty bearing Field or geographically specific
• Based upon patentable or copyrightable material
• Based solely upon know-how

(2) R & D Agreements - are created which can

• Collaboratively develop technology
• Provide an option to negotiate a license
• Provide a right of first refusal for a license

(3) Materials Agreements - are offered which

• Cover biological/non-biological materials
• Provide for research use only
• Can provide for mutual exchange of materials

(4) Confidentiality Agreements - are routinely executed that

• Provide mutual confidentiality
• Allow for evaluation of technology for a specified period
• Protect both parties' intellectual property rights
• Provide no future obligation other than confidentiality

How does SBU Connect with Industry?

The University at Stony Brook makes a major effort to reach out to private industry on Long Island, within the State of New York and throughout the United States. Collaborative research efforts, strategic alliances, evaluative testing (both medical and non-medical), training and consultation, as well as technology transfer provide the framework to implement this partnership with industry.

What Types of Technology are Available?

The University at Stony Brook is a comprehensive public university with the full range of academic programs in the physical and social sciences, engineering, as well as a University Medical Center and a School of Dental Medicine. The research in these areas produces: Therapeutic pharmaceuticals Diagnostic pharmaceuticals Chemical compounds Mechanical and electronic devices Software Genetically engineered products Other biological materials.

Who Owns Technology Developed at the University?

The Research Foundation of SUNY, (Public site) a non-profit corporation, owns all inventions and software resulting from research activities that are made using University or Research Foundation owned or controlled facilities. This applies to faculty, staff, students and scientific visitors who utilize the facilities of the University. Jointly owned inventions can occur when both university and company facilities have been used.

What are the Policies of the University?

The Research Foundation negotiates the different types of agreements with industry in a flexible and pragmatic manner. Freedom to publish the results of its research is an important concept in a university; however, the University recognizes the need to protect domestic and foreign rights in intellectual property. Proprietary information is routinely accepted from private industry as part of a research program. The Research Foundation uses its best efforts not to disseminate such information that is clearly marked as proprietary.

How is the Technology Transfer Office Contacted?

For information regarding technology transfer at the University at Stony Brook or to request information on specific technologies available for licensing contact the staff of the Technology Transfer Office by mail, telephone, fax or e-mail:

Chester Bisbee , Director
Tel:(631) 632-9009
Fax:(631) 632-1505
Email:Chester.Bisbee@stonybrook.edu

Technology Licensing & Industry Relations

SUNY Stony Brook
N5002, Melville Memorial Library
Stony Brook, New York 11794-3369