IDEAS TO IMPACT Auburn’s mission includes delivering science-based solutions to today’s most complex problems. The Intellectual Property Exchange (IPX) helps put these good ideas to work in ways that benefit researchers, the University, development partners and society.
How does the process work?
Innovate and Disclose
What is Intellectual Property (IP)?
Share your innovation with a dedicated Licensing Officer who will work with you every step of the way.
Intellectual property (IP) takes many forms, but is usually a discovery or idea that leads to the creation of something usable, tangible and/or valuable. Examples include, but are not limited to:
Evaluate and Assess Evaluate the need for protection, the potential value and applications, and best routes forward
• Machines and devices • Chemicals, drugs and vaccines • Software, including apps • New designs, methods and processes • New plant varieties or animal breeds
Protect IP
Why is IP protection needed?
File patent application or copyright as needed.
Some Auburn discoveries can be transferred to the public domain via publication or extension. However, others may need significant investment by outside development partners to be taken to market. In these cases, protection of IP via patents or copyrights may be necessary for a partner to take such risks. Taking these steps can help maximize the impact of Auburn innovations and ensure that Auburn continues to develop research that delivers.
Engage Partners Connect with industry partners interested in licensing your technology.
Negotiate Agreements Establish the terms of the licensing agreement.
Commercialize Collaboration and development of a commercially available product.
Who partners with IPX? IPX works with Auburn researchers whose discoveries have created intellectual property with the potential for commercialization. Our office also engages with outside industrial and entrepreneurial partners to advance Auburn’s innovations towards the market.
When should I contact IPX? Contact IPX before the innovation is presented to a public audience -- this means before publication in journals, books, conference talks, posters, abstracts of federally-funded awards, blogs or website postings, disclosure to potential industry partners or even online thesis or dissertation publications. If you have already presented or published, come talk with us and we will work together to determine the best route forward.
FAQ’s Who do I contact about my innovation? Contact information is on the back of this brochure. Officers in the Physical or Life Sciences will typically be your first point of contact.
How do I submit my innovation to IPX? Submit via the online Innovator Portal (https://cws. auburn.edu/OVPR/pm/tt/portal) or use Word or PDF forms found on the IPX website. Contact a Licensing Officer for assistance.
Can I patent and publish? Yes! Patents and publications can work in concert. Contact us before publishing to learn how.
Can I be involved in commercialization? Most university employees are allowed to participate in commercialization activities. This includes involvement with a start-up company to further develop Auburn innovations. Call IPX to learn the process and discuss best options.
What happens to revenue received by Auburn? Revenue is shared according to the university patent policy, found here: cws.auburn.edu/OVPR/pm/tt/policiesprocedures
Primary Contact for Startups: Cary Chandler Director, Business Development & Startups carychandler@auburn.edu 334-844-7441
For all other inquiries, contact: Troy Brady PhD, CLP Director, Commercialization troy.brady@auburn.edu 334-844-0878 To learn more, visit: ipx.auburn.edu
