FAQ
Technology Transfer at Mimesys
At Mimesys, we transform research into real-world impact. This page answers common questions about our technology transfer process—how ideas move from lab insights to market applications—so you can understand roles, protections, timelines, and the options available for collaboration and commercialization.
What is Technology Transfer?
Technology transfer is the process of moving scientific findings from research into development and commercialization. It typically includes identifying new technologies, protecting them through intellectual property (IP), and building a path to market via licensing to established companies or by creating new startups.
- Identification and assessment of new technologies
- Protection through IP (e.g., patents, copyrights, trade secrets)
- Commercialization strategy (licensing, co-development, or spin-offs)
How does technology transfer work at Mimesys?
Our team partners with inventors early to evaluate novelty, patentability, market potential, and development needs. We help define the optimal route—license, joint development, or spin-off—while coordinating IP protection, confidentiality, and the agreements required to collaborate safely and efficiently.
Key Agreements
Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA/NDA)
Governs the exchange of confidential information between parties (bilateral or unilateral) for a specific purpose.
Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)
Covers the transfer of tangible research materials (e.g., reagents, compounds, cell lines, prototypes) and defines rights, use, and liabilities.
Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA/CRA)
Defines the rules of a joint project: contributions, use of materials/data, confidentiality, publications, and IP ownership/result exploitation.
Invention Disclosure
An Invention Disclosure is a confidential document that captures the essence of an invention, its contributors and their contributions, relevant third-party involvement, and any enabling information available (e.g., draft manuscript). It enables a timely assessment of patentability and commercial potential, and helps determine the right protection and timing before public disclosure.
Are my results ready for technology transfer?
If your work is producing results with potential practical application, contact us early. We’ll assess novelty, competitive landscape, market size, development needs, and potential partners. Early engagement increases the chance of securing protection and finding the right route to market.
- What is the invention and likely end product?
- Is it patentable? Are there alternative protections (e.g., trade secrets)?
- Is there a market? How large and accessible is it?
- Who are competitors or substitutes? What are our advantages?
- Is licensing feasible? Should we consider a spin-off?
- What level of development/funding is still needed?
- Are third-party rights or obligations involved?
Why protection matters
Many innovations—especially in life sciences and deep tech—require substantial time and capital to reach market. Strong IP (typically patents) gives a defined period of exclusivity, enabling investors and companies to justify the risk and investment needed to develop and scale the technology.
Intellectual Property (IP) basics
“Intellectual Property Rights” cover several legal tools:
- Patents/Utility Models — protect technical inventions
- Design Rights — protect product appearance
- Trademarks — protect brand identity
- Plant Variety Rights — protect new plant varieties
- Copyright — protects original works (including software)
- Know-how/Trade Secrets — protect confidential information
Patents: what to know
A patent grants an exclusive right (usually 20 years from first filing) to prevent others from making, using, or selling the claimed invention in the territories where the patent is granted. In exchange, the invention is disclosed publicly—after filing—so others can learn from it. Patents are territorial, require maintenance fees, and often must be “worked” (commercialized) in some jurisdictions.
Patentability vs. Marketability
To be patentable, an invention must generally be novel, non-obvious (inventive), and industrially applicable. Marketability is a separate question: does the invention meet a real demand, and can it compete and scale? An invention can be patentable but not marketable, and vice versa.
Protect first, then publish
Public disclosure (talks, posters, preprints, websites, grant summaries, etc.) before filing can destroy novelty. If you plan to disclose, contact us first—we can usually file quickly when needed. Peer review is typically confidential, but avoid including enabling details publicly until after filing.
After protection: development & funding
Often, additional development (proof-of-concept, prototyping, validation, regulatory steps) is needed to make a compelling business case. We can help identify suitable public/private funding to bridge this gap and de-risk the opportunity for industry or investors.
Commercialization paths
- Licensing: grant rights to an established company (field/territory) in exchange for fees, milestones, and royalties.
- Co-development/Joint Ventures: share risk and resources to accelerate development.
- Spin-offs (Spin-outs): create a new company when the opportunity is better served outside existing organizations or when a focused venture is needed.
Services & Sponsored Research
In addition to licensing and collaborations, we support industry through services, consulting, and sponsored research. Services use our technical capabilities to perform defined work for clients; sponsored research funds a project aligned with our expertise while IP terms are agreed case-by-case. These models help move technologies forward while creating value for all parties.
Get in touch
Have results you think may be patentable or commercially valuable? Or questions not covered here? Contact the Mimesys team and we’ll help you evaluate patentability, market fit, funding options, and the best route to market. We also welcome suggestions for new FAQs to include in future updates.