For Inventors
The technology transfer process translates discoveries into products or services that can benefit the public. There are many commercialization routes, and Cedars-Sinai's Technology Ventures is here to help inventors navigate the process.
An invention can include:
- A new drug
- A new use for an existing drug
- A biomarker
- A medical device
- A diagnostic tool
- A research tool
- Software
- An algorithm
Cedars-Sinai employees are welcome to complete an Invention Disclosure Form or Research Tool Disclosure Form. Once submitted, the form initiates action by Technology Ventures to investigate protecting, marketing and commercializing the technology.
To further discuss your ideas, call Technology Ventures at 310-423-0326, or send us a message.
IMPORTANT: Any public disclosure of your invention or findings prior to protection by Technology Ventures could jeopardize patentability or commercial value. Please contact Technology Ventures before submitting for presentation or peer review.
Once the Invention Disclosure Form has been completed, the technology is assigned to a licensing associate with relevant background and experience in the field of the invention. The licensing associate conducts an initial assessment of the technology's intellectual property (patent, copyright, trade secret, etc.) and commercialization potential and then discusses the findings with the inventor(s). Based on the outcome of the evaluation, Technology Ventures determines whether the invention is ready to pursue or whether additional work is necessary. If pursued, Technology Ventures implements the best strategy to bring the technology to market.
A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, that excludes others, for a limited period of time, from making, using or selling the invention without the inventor's permission. A patent does not grant the inventor(s) the right to practice their invention.
If patent protection is warranted, Technology Ventures works with its patent counsel to draft a patent application claiming the invention as disclosed. It may take several years of prosecution for a patent application to be allowed in a single jurisdiction. During that time, many exchanges may occur with a patent examiner from the countries selected. Inventor involvement is paramount during this process to assist the patent attorney in responding to the examiner regarding any issues, such as novelty and non-obviousness.
IMPORTANT: Please complete an Invention Disclosure Form before any public disclosure, as public disclosure can complicate potential patent protection.
Once intellectual property is secured, and if the invention is mature enough, Technology Ventures will begin the marketing process. This involves assessing the target market and identifying leads who might be interested in developing and commercializing the invention. Initially, only non-confidential information is shared (usually a short summary). Should interest arise from the first contact, Technology Ventures executes a confidentiality disclosure agreement, referred to as a CDA, to share confidential information.
Once a lead shows interest in licensing, due diligence is performed to investigate the company's background, experience and reputation. If the company appears to be a good candidate, Technology Ventures initiates negotiation of a license agreement. The goal of the negotiation is to reach a fair and balanced agreement between the licensee and Cedars-Sinai.
Cedars-Sinai shares revenue with its inventors and reinvests in research to generate a new cycle of discoveries that will eventually join the technology transfer pipeline.
Cedars-Sinai employees can view the Patent & Invention Policy: Technology Transfer, a document outlining the policy and procedures for inventions developed at Cedars-Sinai, in the Policy and Procedure Manager.
Additionally, Technology Ventures regularly hosts lectures, panel discussions and seminars to guide our staff on exploring various avenues for translational research. To be notified of upcoming educational events, send us a message.
Have Questions or Need Help?
Contact us if you have questions or wish to learn more about Technology & Innovations at Cedars-Sinai.