Technology Transfer Offices

Search

Language

English

Search

Empowering innovation through TTOs

Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academic research and commercial success. As vital enablers of university entrepreneurship, TTOs help transform ground-breaking research into high-impact start-ups and spin-out companies that drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth.

At Marks & Clerk, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by TTOs. Our team of industry experts has curated a comprehensive series of articles that explore the evolving role of Technology Transfer Offices in today’s innovation ecosystem. These insights are designed to support TTO professionals, university researchers, and innovation stakeholders in navigating the complex landscape of intellectual property, commercialisation and start-up development.

“Our experience working with Marks & Clerk has been very positive. We worked with Justin Thuss and Wilfred So on a patent application involving biochemistry and AI subject matters which they drafted together. They took the time to meet with us several times throughout the process, were consistently responsive, and stayed within the agreed budget.” - TTO Manager, Ontario-based Research University

TTO insights

Nordic University patent filings: Facts and Figures

The European Patent Office (EPO) recently published results from a comprehensive study looking at patent filings from European Universities over approximately a 10-year period. We thought it would be interesting to look at Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland and see how their universities compare with the rest of Europe.

Read now

(UK) Universities' IP and Spinout Policies

As someone who advises many UK universities on securing IP, I was not at all surprised to hear that, while one would expect the ultimate goal to be similar across the universities, there is still a significant degree of divergence in terms of how this may be delivered.

Read now

Is it fair to criticise universities for protecting their intellectual property (IP)?

Once any product or process is commercialised, or the spin-out sold, royalties or monies from the sale may return to the university, with many institutions disbursing a significant proportion (up to 80%) to academic inventors. Thus, whilst spin-outs may be seen as risky, the potential returns to a university and its academics can be considerable.

Read now

How are UK universities faring in patenting and innovation as compared to their European contemporaries?

I recently reported that I listened to a webinar hosted by the European patent office (EPO), which discussed some of the findings from their report looking into patents and innovation in European universities.

Read now

Who owns university derived intellectual property?

Working with many universities the question of 'who owns university derived intellectual property' or variations of this question comes up frequently and so we thought it worthy of discussion.

Read now

Turning Research into Reality: How IP Shapes Successful Spinouts

As research moves toward commercial use, questions about intellectual property often shape the path from project to company. For business founders, researchers, and universities, understanding how intellectual property (IP) is owned, protected and leveraged can make a critical difference to the long-term success of a new venture.

Read now