The role of the IPATNT Office is to provide a dynamic interface between the university and the private sector. This role will encompass a variety of activities:

Disclosure: Faculty members participating in research and creative endeavors will be encouraged to disclose to the IPATNT Office any processes, products or creative works which have commercial potential. Such disclosure will allow the IPATNT Office to assist the faculty member in protection and subsequent commercialization.

Patents: The IPATNT Office will assign those works with scientific and commercial merit to the Research and Development Institute for determination of patentability and subsequent pursuit of patent protection when appropriate.

Copyright and Trademark: Creative works will be protected by copyright. Trademark protection may be utilized for names or logos.

Licensing: The IPATNT Office in conjunction with RDI will identify potential licenses for intellectual property developed at the University. This will include patented ideas, copyrighted works, and know-how or trade secrets. Every effort will be made to negotiate licensing agreements which are to the advantage of the inventor, the University and the State of Montana.

Currently the University has over 40 licensing agreements for technologies developed at MSU. The net revenue stream from these licenses is divided equally between the inventor and the University to further the research and creative efforts of the inventor and the institution as a whole.

Sponsored Research and Development: The IPATNT Office actively works to develop associations with private industry and facilitate sponsored research. This provides industry the opportunity to participate in research without the overhead associated with in-house research and simultaneously provides the University with current issues in industry and hands-on opportunities for students.

Access to University Resources: The IPATNT Office assists businesses in gaining access to University facilities and specialized services and equipment which are often too expensive for businesses to support in-house. These include research equipment, research animals and their proper care, the Plant Growth Center, computers and networking, telecommunications, diagnostic and chemical analysis laboratories, film and TV equipment, art studios, photographic equipment and studios, and others. Services include statistical services, survey research services, quality assurance, auditing and accounting requirements of government agencies, compliance requirements, film making and editing, musical accompaniment, and others. The IPATNT Office can also arrange for consulting services and internships.

The IPATNT Office acts for the benefit of the University, the inventors and creators at MSU, and the people of Montana by promoting transfer of inventions and creative works which can reap monetary returns and promote products, processes and works of art which will improve quality of life.

 

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