Research performed at Vanderbilt commonly leads to new technologies and discoveries which may be protectable by patent or other forms of intellectual property. Submission of a technology disclosure is the only way in which to fully communicate the details of your technology to CTTC for further evaluation, protection and commercialization. It is the first step of the commercialization process. But there are many reasons why you should disclose your technology to CTTC:
- To begin the process of translating ground-breaking science into commercial products – bringing the fruits of your research to the benefit of the public, some of which may improve the quality of life for patients and others.
- To increase research opportunities via collaborations and strategic partnerships that may arise as a result of CTTC’s marketing process.
- To help create jobs and economic growth opportunities via start-up companies.
- To generate revenue for the inventors and for Vanderbilt to support future research – Vanderbilt inventors receive 40-50% of revenues received from the licensing of technologies (see Chapter 4 of the Faculty Manual for more details). Millions of dollars are paid to Vanderbilt inventors as personal income each year.
- To be in compliance with reporting requirements for all federal (and most other) funding sponsors – while it may not be widely publicized, disclosing technologies (among other obligations) is a requirement of any federal funding you might receive.
- To comply with the Vanderbilt Technology Policy which governs the disposition of all technologies and discoveries invented or authored by faculty, staff and students.
If you question whether your concept constitutes a technology of if an idea is ready for formal disclosure, please contact us and we will be glad to discuss it or visit with you to investigate further.
No matter what your motivation may be, CTTC can assist you through the disclosure and commercialization process to help achieve your goals.