We covered technology evaluation and triage in Track I (Entry-level TTP). Thoroughly evaluating a technology when it is first received is central to an effective Tech Transfer program. The key issue isn’t whether the tech is patentable, but whether the tech will attract potential licensing and commercialization partners. The TTP must resist pressure from the inventor to start the patent application process before a thorough invention evaluation has been carried out.
The first step in the evaluation is to review the science described in the invention disclosure to determine what products or services it will enable – a process called “productization.” In many cases, it will be obvious – if the invention disclosure is a novel assay for a disease or condition, that’s what the product will be. In other cases, the possibilities are much broader, and will require more effort to determine the best applications of the technology. An example might be a novel material that can enable a new electronic device, or a novel sensor to measure something.
The TTP must test their thoughts in the marketplace and talk to potentially interested parties. We discuss this in much more detail in Topic 7: Discussions with Industry as Part of Tech Triage.
The evaluation should be in writing and shared with the inventor before anyone else sees it. This allows them to correct any misunderstandings regarding the invention or its uses. Additionally, if the TTP recommends not to move forward with the technology, a written analysis allows the inventor to see the thought process behind the decision, making them much more likely to accept the premises of the recommendation and to stay engaged with the Tech Transfer process.
An example of one such technology evaluation system can be found here: the First Look Technology Assessment system developed at Boston University and used at Osaka University. This system is very similar to the Ten-point Tech Scoring Template covered in Track I (Entry-level TTP).
There are four possible outcomes from these kinds of assessments (see attached). Two of them, the Conditional outcomes – Conditional Go or Conditional Kill – are an opportunity for further and on-going dialogue with your professor.