Options and license agreements
The Partnerships, intellectual property and security team facilitates the licensing of university-owned technologies and intellectual property (IP). A licensing agreement grants a company the commercial rights to utilize this technology, allowing them to manufacture, use or sell products derived from the IP.
To aid potential licensees, the university maintains an accessible database of technologies and IP that are available for licensing. Suitable licensees may be established companies or startups that possess the necessary technical and financial capabilities to develop the technology into viable commercial products or services.
University technologies are often in the early stages of development and typically require significant investment and further technical advancement by the licensee before reaching market readiness. It is advisable for the company’s representative to have a thorough understanding of the company's technological needs and business strategy. To avoid any real or perceived conflicts of interest, this representative should not be one of the university inventors.
Option & evaluation agreements
For companies that can’t yet fully commit to a license, or that wish to evaluate the technology further, an option agreement or a combined option and evaluation agreement may be arranged. During the option period, the university will reserve the rights exclusively for the interested company, providing them the opportunity to secure funding with the assurance that the technology will remain available for licensing at the end of the period. If a technical assessment is desired during this time, an option and evaluation agreement can facilitate this need more effectively and can be negotiated faster.
License agreements
The terms of licensing reflect the necessity for licensees to invest significant time and resources into product development. The licensing strategy may include exclusivity, specific fields of use, subdivisions of patent rights and sublicensing provisions, all of which are customizable to meet the licensee’s requirements and the university’s goals and align with market realities. Financial terms such as running royalties, licensing fees, equity provisions and others are tailored to suit the licensee's circumstances and the university’s mission.
A principal objective for the university is ensuring that licensed inventions have a beneficial socioeconomic impact both locally and globally. Adhering to global access principles and startup venture licensing guidelines is key for achieving this aim.
To explore licensing opportunities for Concordia technologies and IP, please contact Valeria Marquet, senior specialist, Intellectual Property.