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IDEAS TO IMPACT

from Ideas to Impact: The IP Exchange at Auburn University

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

Share your innovation with a dedicated Licensing Officer will work with you every step of the way.

Evaluate and Assess

Evaluate the need for protection, the potential value and applications, and best routes forward

Protect IP

File patent application or copyright as needed.

Engage Partners

Connect with industry partners interested in liscensing your technology.

Negotiate Agreements

Establish the terms of the licensing agreement.

Commercialize

Collaboration and development of a commercially available product.

What is Intellectual Property (IP)?

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:

• Machines and devices

• Chemicals, drugs and vaccines

• Software, including apps

• New designs, methods and processes

• New plant varieties or animal breeds

Why is IP protection 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.

Who partners with IPX?

IPX works w ith 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 ma rket.

When sho uld 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.