External Resources
Government resources, Intellectual Property information, and Professional Organizations related to Tech Transfer.
International, Federal, and State Resources
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
The WIPO is the international equivalent of the U.S. copyright and patent and trademark offices. The WIPO site is a comprehensive resource for all these matters and includes general and legal information, instructions, and registration information. The site also allows you to search international copyright, patent, and trademark databases for matters pending and issued.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
The official site of the USPTO, where you can find information from general to legal and search patent and trademark databases.
U.S. Copyright Office
The official site of the United States Copyright Office, where you can search copyright records, locate registration forms, and look into fees, publications, law, and policy.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Topics range from planning to starting up and running a business, including exit strategies, and the site has links to many other resources for start-ups.
National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health
This site covers issues relating to IP and genetic and genomic research, from legal and ethical standpoints.
National Institutes of Health Office of Technology Transfer
MassBio
MassBio links new entrepreneurs and founders with seasoned biotechnology professionals.
MassChallenge
Connects entrepreneurs with resources. Primary activities include running an annual, global start-up competition, documenting and organizing key resources, and organizing training and networking events.
Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center (MTTC)
https://www.mass-ventures.com/mttc
The MTTC has a government mandate to help any inventor at a nonprofit research institution to commercialize his or her technology.
IP Information
Google Patents
In addition to having a familiar flavor, Google Patents is somewhat easier to use than the USPTO search engine and displays patent documents and images using standard web applications (Adobe Acrobat and JPEG).
Guide to Patent Searching from the University of Texas
https://guides.lib.utexas.edu/findpatents
Never searched for patents? This is a good place to start, with introductory information as well as strategies for searching.
The IP Mall at the Pierce Law Center
A resource for legal matters pertaining to IP and technology transfer. Also provides access to the Pierce Law International Technology Transfer Institute.
Technology Transfer Tactics
www.technologytransfertactics.com
Monthly coverage of technology transfer. The site includes both free and subscription-based content and displays blogs, vendor information, and job listings. Technology Transfer Tactics also provides information on conferences worldwide.
Professional Associations
The Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM)
From its website, AUTM is a “dynamic, global network of more than 3,500 technology transfer professionals who work in academic, research, government, legal, and commercial settings. AUTM is dedicated to promoting and supporting technology transfer through education, advocacy, networking, and communication.” The site includes general information as well as access to publications, a calendar of events, job listings, and other resources. Much of the material is free to all users, though the site does include content and services exclusive to AUTM members.
Council on Governmental Relations (COGR)
Association representing the interests of research universities that receive a significant share of their funding from the federal government. The association currently has 150 member universities. The site contains information on a range of topics; a portion is available only to researchers working at member universities.
Licensing Executives Society (LES)
The LES is a professional society of more than 6,000 members engaged in the transfer, use, development, manufacture, marketing, and licensing of IP within the United States and Canada. Most of the material is free to all users, but some content is reserved for members.
Women Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology (WEST)
A nonprofit organization for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs.