Resources for Inventors

Commercialization

Step by Step guide to the commercialization process: A guide to each step on the path to commercialization.

Technology evaluation criteria: Highlights the three aspects we use to evaluate new technologies' potential.

Marketing Your Invention: Ideas and examples of meaningful, practical ways you can help market your technology.

Express License: A guide to licensing your digital content via Tech Comm's website.

Provisional patents: Process & responsibilities: Explains what comes next after we file for a patent on your technology. 

Commercialization coaching card: Contains tips to help you connect with industry partners and bring your technology to market.
 

Intellectual Property Information

University patent filing process and responsibilities: Learn what to expect after we file a provisional patent application.

University of Minnesota Policy Library: Includes Regents Policies surrounding commercialization of intellectual property.

US Patent and Trademark Office: Contains information on US patents and trademarks, including a database of issued and pending patents. 

Google Patents: Find and download copies of patents and patent applications.

Patent Lens: Search patents worldwide and make use of advanced comparison features.

US Copyright Office: Learn about and search for US copyrights.

World Intellectual Property Organization: Learn about international intellectual property, including patent applications.
 

University Centers

BioTechnology Institute: Provides advanced research, training, and University-industry interaction in biological process technology.

Carlson Ventures Enterprise: Includes the “Innovation by Design” program that creates new business ventures.

Center for Translational Medicine: Provides a comprehensive portfolio of services that will augment the development and implementation of novel, medical treatment strategies.

Institute for Therapeutics Discovery & Development: Research and services for drug discovery and early preclinical drug development.

Medical Devices Center: Focuses on interdisciplinary medical device research and development.

Medical Industry Leadership Institute: Center focused on bringing together executives, physicians, students, and academic leaders in the medical industry.

Office of Discovery and Translation (ODAT): Provides University of Minnesota faculty with funding and expert guidance to develop new solutions to improve human health.
 

Other Resources

Explorations in Innovation (video): This presentation, from two women innovators who are creating research impact through commercialization and entrepreneurship, provides an overview of how graduate students, postdocs, faculty and staff can increase their research impact through multiple programs and activities offered at UMN.

AUTM Better World Report: The Better World Project shares the stories behind university innovations that have changed the way we live.

Hoovers: Comprehensive information about companies and industries.