Does the UABRF ever release IP ownership to the innovator or anyone else?
Yes. If the UABRF determines that it has no plans to pursue commercialization of an innovation, it pursues the release of the IP. If the research was funded by a government agency (NIH is a common example), and the innovator wishes to obtain rights to their IP, the innovater may contact the UABRF who will in turn notify the federal government agency of the request. The UABRF will then assist the innovator with the necessary documentation. If the research was not funded by a government agency, the UABRF may negotiate an assignmnet of the IP to the innovator. The assignment agreement will usually provide some benefits to the University in the event of successful commercialization of the innovation; for example, the repayment of any patent expenses incurred, and/or a share in future revenue or equity. Note, however, that improvements to the technology are not covered in the assignment agreements. Even after the release of an innovation that may have been deemed not commercially viable, UA
