Overview of our commercialisation and other work
Bath Ventures provides in house technology transfer expertise and services. If you are interested in commercialising IP you should contact Bath Ventures who will evaluate the Intellectual Property and liaise with Patent Agents to file priority patent applications in relation to Intellectual Property which has a prospect of commercialisation and will work with the University’s students and academic staff to develop the technology to a point where it can enter the market either by way of a licence to a commercial entity or by the establishment of a Spin Out Company.
Intellectual Property and Legal Services provides legal advice to and generally works with Bath Ventures in relation to the development of Intellectual Property with a view to its commercialisation in particular to ensure that the University protects Intellectual Property and rights in its development. When the opportunity is ready for market Intellectual Property and Legal Services plays a pivotal role in advising, negotiating and drafting the related legal agreements which may be a licence and in the case of a Spin Out various legal documents. We will then negotiate with the licensee or with the Spin Out Company and its financial backers and executive team to ensure that the University’s legitimate rights and those of the academic founders are properly protected. This is facilitated by our Framework Agreement with IP Group Plc.
For the documents which are used in connection with commercialisation see Commercialisation – Commercialisation Related Agreements. Again the documents are not downloadable.
In all commercialisation arrangements the University is required to adopt a fair and proper process to ensure that any commercialisation is appropriate and fair with due consideration of the University’s legal obligations and proper governance. This means that a particular process is required to be adopted in conjunction with Bath Ventures and Intellectual Property and Legal Services in all commercialisation activities.
OTHER POLICY AND COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS
Intellectual Property and Legal Services is involved in the development of Intellectual Property and Research related Policy issues of the University.
We advise the University in relation to its interests (exercise of its rights) where e.g. the University has a shareholding or royalty entitlement where there has been an earlier commercialisation of the University’s Intellectual Property.
We also provide advice to the University, as and when required to do so by the University Executive, in relation to other research and Intellectual Property and Commercialisation related matters. For example:
- in relation to the University of Bath Crescent Seedcorn Fund, a Government sponsored University Challenge Fund which provides funding to University spin out Companies
- its partnership with IP Group Plc.