IP Protection, Marketing and Licensing Steps
For USC discoveries to reach beyond the university, appropriate intellectual property protection and partnerships must be in place. The Stevens Center supports innovators from the earliest research milestone to IP protection, licensing and commercialization.
How the Process Works: From disclosure to development, the IP licensing timeline outlines key decisions and activities that shape how an innovation from the university is translated into the commercial sector. Each stage builds on the last, ensuring every step is aligned with long-term opportunity and value.
1
USC Scientific Discovery
Research breakthroughs can take many forms, including inventions, data, devices, software, and creative works. When a discovery shows potential for translation into a product or service, the technology transfer process begins.
2
Invention Disclosure
USC researchers submit an invention or software disclosure through Inteum’s secure online inventor portal. The Stevens team is available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the process. For assistance, contact licensing@stevens.usc.edu.
3
Preliminary Review
A licensing manager evaluates each disclosure to assess funding sources, ownership, patentability, and commercial potential. This review involves discussions with inventors, evaluation of the supporting data, analysis of prior art and IP strength, potential markets, and reviewing comparable technologies.
4
Intellectual Property Protection
If patent protection is recommended, the Stevens Center works with patent counsel to prepare a provisional patent application. Inventors are encouraged to share a draft manuscript or other planned public disclosure with the Stevens team well in advance of public disclosure or journal submission. Early coordination with patent counsel allows sufficient time to prepare a robust provisional application and develop a claim strategy that supports future commercialization. Inventor engagement and feedback during the drafting and filing process ensures high quality patent applications and increases efficiency of subsequent patent prosecution. Once a patent application has been filed, the Stevens Center works with outside counsel and the inventors through the patent prosecution process toward an issued patent.
5
Business Development/Marketing to Potential Licensees
To kickstart the identification of licensees for a given technology, licensing manager develops a non-confidential marketing summary of the technology and engages companies, entrepreneurs, and investors with potential interest. For leads identified during this outreach stage, exploratory meetings with the inventors and companies are arranged to assess technical fit.
6
License to Existing Company or USC Startup (Licensee)
When a viable commercialization path emerges, the prospective licensee presents a commercialization plan for the technology. The Stevens Center negotiates and finalizes the license agreement on behalf of USC. Financial terms of a license may include diligence obligations, upfront and annual fees, milestone and sublicensing fees, royalties on sales, and sometimes, equity.
7
Development and Commercialization by Licensee
Following execution of a license, the licensee is responsible for further development and commercialization of the technology.Under the terms of our license agreements, the licensee is required to commercialize the invention in a timely manner and provide regular progress reports to the university on its progress.
8
Product Sales, Technology Impact, and Royalty Income
Royalties and other revenue received by USC under the license agreement are shared with USC inventors according to the USC Intellectual Property Policy. The Stevens Center monitors compliance, enforces license terms and financial reporting requirements, and distributes payments received under the license.