Office of Technology Development

Identify, assess and protect innovation in collaboration with Scripps Research innovators; develop commercialization strategy; support new company formation; and develop industry partnerships.

Manage the passage of intellectual property from Scripps Research to an industrial partner through a legal agreement.

Implement best practices and adhere to institute, state and federal regulations concerning intellectual property commercialization.

Research
Research activities often lead to innovations. When these innovations point to a commercial application, we encourage you to submit a Technology Disclosure Form. If you are unsure whether your research is ready to be disclosed, please reach out to our Corporate Development team members for a consultation.

Disclose to OTD
Disclose your innovation to OTD as early as possible and prior to any presentations or publications related to your innovation. If you discuss your idea in public or with individuals not affiliated with Scripps Research, it may impact our ability to secure intellectual property (IP) protection.

Assess
Once you submit an innovation disclosure to OTD, our Corporate Development team will review the materials provided and meet with you to discuss your innovation and possible next steps. Following this initial meeting, OTD will collaborate on IP and market analyses to understand the opportunities and/or barriers that may impact commercialization potential. Your continued communication with OTD is critical in moving your innovation forward as we refine market evaluations and develop IP strategies.

Protect
The patenting process, from filing to issuance, can take many years and not all disclosed innovations will require patent protection. For example, many research tools do not require patent protection to proceed to commercialization. If patent protection is appropriate for your innovation, OTD will work with you and the Office of Patent Counsel (OPC) to determine the best course of action. If you would like to discuss your innovation with an external party or individual prior to receiving the protection of a patent application, request a Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA) from OTD to ensure your innovation is kept confidential and remains patentable.

Market
Once OTD has reviewed your disclosure and identified evidence of commercial potential and appropriately protected the IP, we will market the technology to commercial partners, which may include existing companies or entrepreneurs and investors that are interested in forming a startup. We will search for the right partner, and seek your input as we draft marketing materials and build a list of potential industry partners to contact. OTD will update you on the status of discussions with potential industry partners and share any feedback received.

License & Spin-Off
Once a commercial partner indicates a desire to move forward, OTD will represent the best interests of Scripps Research innovators while negotiating a license agreement that meets the needs of the technology and industry. Our goal is to negotiate an agreement that provides a fair return to you, Scripps Research and the industry partner.

Revenue
Revenues generated from commercialization of your innovation are shared with you according to Scripps Research policies and the remainder is reinvested into the research activities of Scripps Research.

• How do I disclose and protect my IP?
• I need to submit a Technology Disclosure Form.
• What happens before the public disclosure of my technology?
• What about if my IP is in collaboration with another institution?
• What if my IP is created via federally funded research?
• What do I do if a company wants to license my technology?
• I want to start a company with my technology.
• What is the process of material transfer from or to Scripps Research?
• I need a CDA to discuss IP with external entities.