In its role as the university’s technology licensing office, the USC Stevens Center for Innovation works to commercialize promising scientific discoveries, inventions, and innovations developed within the university. Our technology licensing process safeguards the ideas of USC innovators and secures intellectual property protection for their eventual commercialization by industry, including startup formation if appropriate.

Our technology licensing process includes identifying qualified industry partners who have the expertise, commitment and resources to help move USC technologies forward and be brought to market to have societal and commercial impact.

The technology licensing process begins when USC researchers submit a disclosure form to the USC Stevens Center for Innovation. This kicks off the steps outlined below.

Graphic showing technology licensing process

1. USC Scientific Discovery

May include research discoveries, tools, and inventions; patents; copyrighted materials; databases; software; and many other innovations.

2. Invention Disclosure to USC Stevens Center for Innovation

USC researchers initiate the disclosure process by contacting the USC Stevens Center at licensing@stevens.usc.edu.

Note: During the June 17-July 1 2025 blackout period, It will not be possible to submit new online invention disclosures. Sophia has been phased out and is no longer in use for new invention disclosures. Previously submitted requests can still be accessed via the Sophia online portal.

3. Preliminary Review

A Stevens Center licensing team member reviews the disclosure to determine whether to file a patent application on the invention. The review include interviewing the inventor(s) and researching the market, competitive technologies, and prior art.

4. Intellectual Property Protection

If a decision is made to invest in patenting the invention, the Stevens Center will engage outside legal counsel to file a patent application. When appropriate, the university may utilize copyright, trade secret, or trademark rights to commercialize university inventions or works of authorship.

5. Business Development/Marketing to Potential Licensees

We contact industry leaders (companies, entrepreneurs, and investors) who may be suitable partners to get feedback on the technology, both through our business contacts, inventor contacts, industry events, conferences, and online.

6. License to Existing Company or USC Startup (Licensee)

If a business prospect decides it wants to license the technology, it will present a plan for commercialization. From there, the Stevens Center prepares a formal license agreement draft, negotiates business terms, and ultimately executes the license on behalf of the inventors and the university.

7. Development and Commercialization by Licensee

The path to commercial markets varies, depending on the nature of the invention, the market it addresses, and its stage of development. Under the terms of our license agreements, the licensee is required to commercialize the invention and provide regular progress reports to the university on its commercialization activities. USC inventors may continue to be involved in development activities with the commercialization partner.

8. Product Sales, Technology Impact, and Royalty Income

Royalties and other revenue received by USC under the license agreement are shared with USC inventors in accordance with the USC Intellectual Property Policy.