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Home > Resources > Inventors > Commercialization

Commercialization Approaches

There are a number of options to transfer inventions, including software, to interested parties outside the University, such as companies, publishers, distributors, other universities, and research organizations. After you, the faculty or staff member, have become aware of a new discovery, a U-M Tech Transfer Licensing Specialist will discuss with you the various manners of commercialization and the factors to consider when selecting the most appropriate transfer mechanism.

License to an Existing Entity

• The majority of U-M inventions are licensed to existing large and small companies.
• If your invention is created under a sponsored research agreement, Tech Transfer will work with the appropriate DRDA representative to review any obligations to the sponsor.

License to a Start-up

• Sometimes commercialization of the invention is best suited via the creation of a start-up company (a new company created to commercialize a particular technology). Inventors may participate in these start-up companies in a variety of ways, and U-M Tech Transfer is available to discuss all aspects of company formation with you.
• U-M Tech Transfer structures licensing agreements with U-M start-ups with an emphasis on helping the company become viable, but also ensuring that the invention is diligently developed and commercialized.
• For assistance with forming a start-up, please visit Resources for Start-up Ventures. To be connected to one of our Business Formation specialists, please call 734.763.0614 or email us at techtransfer@umich.edu.