Commercialization Roles and Responsibilities

Researchers are encouraged to contact the Innovation and Commercialization Team during research activities to be aware of the options that will best support the commercial potential of the innovations. The team can answer questions related to marketability, funding sources, commercial partners, patenting and other protection methods, new business start-up considerations, university policies and procedures and much more. 

• Talk to Innovation and Commercialization about your invention. Contact a member of the Innovation and Commercialization Team when you believe you have created or discovered something unique with potential commercial or research value.
• Complete and submit an Ohio State Invention Disclosure. To avoid risking loss of patent rights and to comply with federal funding requirements, contact your licensing officer before publicly disclosing your invention in a presentation, lecture, poster, abstract, website description, research proposal, dissertation/master’s thesis, publication or other public presentation.
• Keep the Innovation and Commercialization Team informed and remain engaged. Please let your licensing officer know about significant developments, upcoming publications or interactions with companies related to your IP. The Innovation and Commercialization Team is also interested in helping you develop the IP. Remaining engaged will allow us to prepare marketing materials, identify potential licensees, and guide you to potential funding opportunities or other helpful resources.

Ohio State inventors often serve as technology consultants, advisors or in some other technical developmental capacity with a licensee, ranging from infrequent, informal contacts to a more formal consulting relationship.

Consulting arrangements are not negotiated by the university. Researchers who enter into consulting agreements should familiarize themselves with the university’s policies relevant to outside activities and are expected to ensure that the terms of the consulting arrangement are consistent with these policies, including those related to IP ownership, employment responsibilities and use of IP.