Technology Evaluation
The first step in the licensing process is for you to identify technologies that interest you. Please see our Technology Publisher to assist you. This contains a searchable database of all the current technologies that can be licensed and will be updated regularly. At any point if you have questions, contact our Licensing Executive, Aaron G. Sauers, CLP, 630-840-4432, asauers@fnal.gov. He will be available to work with you to manage the development, review and approval processes for your license.
License Plan
Fermilab requires a Commercialization Plan Worksheet from prospective licensees before licensing its intellectual property. The plan better enables Fermilab and the prospective licensee to determine the business fit between their interests. The type of license depends on the technology, the nature of the organization seeking a license, and the intended use. In addition, you may be required to complete a Technology Request Questionnaire.
Term Sheet Negotiation
Once we have reviewed and approved your plan to commercialize the technology, we will begin discussing licensing terms. You are encouraged to review the DOE Licensing Guide and sample License Agreements prior to beginning negotiations.
The OPTT office will review a term sheet based on your input in your Commercialization Plan and your business plan. Term sheets include financial terms (e.g., up-front execution fee, patent cost reimbursement, minimum royalty payments and running royalty payments). View an example of a Term Sheet.
License Execution
Once we have agreed upon the license terms, we will draft an executable License Agreement for your review and signature. The license will normally become effective when all parties have signed the License Agreement and any execution fee has been received.