Licence or spin out?
Which is the most appropriate route to exploit your technology? RED can help you decide, but here are some of the issues to think about:
Licensing may be appropriate if:
- there are significant barriers to a new company entering the market
- the marketplace comprises a small number of large companies
- it is a niche technology
- there is a single patent
- the technology is near market and requires little further development and investment
- a company is linked with the research either as a sponsor or interested observer
- the technology fits an existing company's ip/product portfolio
- licensing is a common strategy within the industry sector
A spin out company may be appropriate if:
- entry to the market by a new company is relatively easy with few significant barriers
- the marketplace is fragmented with a lot of small companies
- the technology has many applications
- there is a portfolio of patents
- further investment is required in the technology and associated infrastructure in order to reach the market
- there is a group of founders motivated to start a company
- it is likely that investment funds can be raised for a company
- there is a financial exit route for investors, including the University
If you would like to discuss these options, please contact our Research Commercialisation team.