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 with USC researchers disclosing their scientific discoveries and inventions through Sophia, a secure online portal. The process then proceeds through the steps outlined below.

Graphic showing technology licensing process