Create a Spinoff
Commercializing a university research innovation is one way to transfer that discovery and knowledge into real-world applications that create social and economic growth and value. Commercializing can take many forms, the two most common are licensing to an existing company, or creating a spinoff. Regardless which you choose, both begin with completing a Report of Invention (ROI). The university’s Technology Transfer Services team can help you explore what works best for you. They can also help with ROI disclosure.
If you think your research has created a new innovation, it is important to submit an ROI before any public disclosure about that discovery (e.g., publication, talk, poster) because that disclosure could affect your invention’s protection.
The University of Alberta's spinoff creation process is outlined below, followed by some frequently asked questions.
Assign IP to university
TTS team assesses commercial and patent potential
TTS team initiates patent filing if applicable at university’s cost
Enter standardized spinoff agreement to license IP to your spin off
Select standardized deal structure:
Blended
(Royalty & Equity)
Keep IP ownership
Inventor arranges IP assessment and protection at inventor’s cost
Inventor initiates patent filing at inventor’s cost
Enter standardized spinoff agreement to license IP to your spinoff
Select standardized deal structure:
Blended
(Royalty & Equity)
Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
I want a company to license my innovation
A U of A spinoff company is a legal entity, distinct from the university, which meets the following criteria:
- derives a considerable portion of its commercial activities from the application or use of a technology originating from research activities conducted at UAlberta;
- is not controlled by the university, but in which the university may have a non-controlling equity stake and/or a royalty stake; and
- which has signed, in addition to all appropriate commercial documentation, a relationship agreement with the university to address conflict of interest arising from the involvement of U of A personnel in the new spinoff.
Commercializing via the university involves transferring IP ownership to the university in exchange for the university assuming responsibility for managing commercialization. Versus commercialize independently (where you own the IP and assume responsibility for commercialization and associated costs).
When assigning to the university, the TTS team will assess patentability and cover initial patent costs (subject to limits). The university will also prepare and sign the legal agreements required to grant the spinoff use rights to the technology through a license agreement.