What is the University policy for distributing cash rewards resulting from inventions and discoveries shared?
The University takes the financial risk in patenting and licensing Harvard-owned intellectual property. When successful, the cash rewards are shared among the University and the inventors, their labs, departments, and schools. Although we take into consideration the interests of inventors, departments and schools, ultimately OTD’s licensing decisions are made on behalf of the University. Thus, notwithstanding the financial interest of inventors, departments and schools share in the outcome of licensing decisions. OTD is charged with making decisions that, in the exercise of its professional judgment, best serve the public, result in the efficient and effective transfer of the technology, and are consistent with University policy and procedures.
