Nano2market Project researchers have provided guidelines for technology transfer, intellectual property standards and licensing agreements in developing nanotechnology projects. The Office of International Projects at the University of Alicante (UAL) has led the European consortium.
Traditional models of technology transfer were inappropriate for nanotechnology. However, the transfer models are essential for all sectors related to R & D, allowing the market and protect the results of the investigation. Therefore, it was considered essential to carry out a research project to deal with issues relating to the transfer of nanotechnology.
Intellectual property rights (IP) are applied to different stages of product development, from basic research to commercialization. The first step therefore was to examine the value chain and intellectual property right model for the transfer of technology to twelve case studies from five sectors: electronics, energy, life sciences, materials, and water and the environment.
Secondly, Nano2market partners conducted a mapping exercise of existing technology to develop a list of areas of innovation “nano.” Models and strategies were validated by a panel of experts.
As a result, the project has created a guide to intellectual property in nanotechnology research. Includes instructions on how to develop guidelines for licensing agreements, the consortium, and comments and suggestions for managing intellectual property in nanotechnology projects. The guidelines depend on the type of application, the level of research development and the size of the organization – small research centers or large, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large companies.
The size of the organization is important because it affects strategies. For example, partners Nano2market found that lack of funding meant smaller organizations that use strategies that differ from the largest. Also saw investors and companies were more confident working with large institutions or companies. The youngest, however, had to wait until the technology was in an advanced stage before licensing.
An interactive toolbox
Nano2market has also designed an interactive toolbox. The toolbox includes a set of tools for companies wishing to collaborate on nanotechnology projects. It is also useful for investors and business angels, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs venture capitalists. The toolkit also offers, reports of good business practices and useful information about how to place a market development through an appropriate business plan for entrepreneurs.
Rahiman Abdullah explains, Office of International Projects of the AU, “We used to have some guidance for the protection of IP but were on nanotechnology as a whole and not areas. These guides also incorporated the business perspective that is essential for the development of this technology, especially in Europe where venture capitalists to date have only selected those more mature applications, such as nanomaterials, because they were considered safer than other emerging , as is the case of biotechnology. Now find that there is a whole range of possibilities. ”
Both the legal department, as technology transfer technical AU worked on the analysis of IP models. Although experienced in these matters, was the first time they made a thorough study on nanotechnology. Also collaborated in the development of the guide was written without much legal or scientific terminology in order to make it accessible to researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors. Instead of giving guidance on the steps, said Abdullah, opted for self-assessment because it is a different business model, riskier but also higher returns.