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Technology Transfer Mechanisms
| For technology
transfer information, contact:
Debra Covey, 515-294-1048, covey@ameslab.gov
or
Todd Zdorkowski,
515-294-5640, zdorkowski@ameslab.gov
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There are currently 12 spin-off companies whose product or service
lines depend upon DOE-sponsored research that was conducted by
Ames Laboratory |
Cooperative Research and Development
Agreements
(CRADA's) enable the Ames Laboratory and one or
more partners (usually from industry or academia) to collaborate, share costs
and pool the
results of a particular R&D program. The Laboratory may provide personnel,
facilities, equipment or other resources to these R&D collaborations. Collaborating
partners may provide funds, personnel, equipment or other resources. Key features
of CRADA's and CRADA negotiations include protection of sensitive project
data and the negotiation of project-related intellectual property rights.
Projects are billed on a cost-recovery basis, and the Laboratory is not allowed
to serve as a source of funds for project
partners.
Work for Others (WFO) Program
The
Laboratory can conduct work for industry, small businesses or other
federal agencies. WFO
project plans are usually specified
by external partners, while the development is performed by technically
qualified Laboratory staff using Lab facilities. The work must not
affect the Laboratory's achievement of its Department of Energy (DOE)
program requirements, and must not directly compete with capabilities
available in the private sector. The work is billed on a cost recovery
basis. WFO agreements include terms that provide for the protection
of project data, as well as for the allocation of rights to data
and intellectual property developed under an agreement.
Personnel Exchange Program
These
programs provide opportunities for visiting professionals from industry
or universities to participate
in established research studies
at Ames Laboratory, usually for periods of six months to one year in
duration. Participants may introduce their own relevant projects within
related Laboratory R&D areas or, in some cases, the Lab may exchange
personnel who travel to an outside location to work on complementary
projects. A limited number of opportunities are available, contingent
upon approval from DOE. The Laboratory can provide office space, support
and access to Lab facilities. The visiting scientist's organization
provides salary and benefits. Proprietary information that the visiting
professional brings to the Lab remains confidential. Intellectual property
rights developed as part of the research exchange may be retained by
the visiting professional's employer, by the Ames Lab or by both parties,
depending on the inventor's affiliations and the exchange agreement.
Contract Research
Ames
Laboratory can enter into contractual agreements with private companies.
These employ
the CRADA or WFO "mechanisms" described
above. These allow the Laboratory to provide services and research
abilities related to the Laboratory's mission and unique capabilities
to develop new technologies. These "contract" arrangements
are often parts of larger federal programs, such as the USDOC's Advanced
Technology Program (ATP), the federal Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR) program, the federal Small Business Technology Transfer Research
program (STTR), or other federal R&D solicitation programs.
Licensing and Patents
Ames
Laboratory intellectual property is available for licensing through
the Iowa State University
Research Foundation (ISURF). ISURF can discuss
licenses on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis -- whichever helps
move the technology to the market in the most businesslike and efficient
manner. For additional information on technologies available for
licensing, visit their web site of the ISU
Research Foundation.
U. S. Patents -- Between 1995 and 2002, 57 U.S. Patents were issued
on technologies resulting from Ames Laboratory research. During the
same period, ISURF negotiated 53 options and licenses covering the
Ames Laboratory patents and technologies.
Figures detailing Ames Lab intellectual property throughout the last
five years:
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