Commercialisation step by step
Submit your idea
If you have an idea or invention related to your position at INN, whether patentable or not, you should contact TTO, which will assist you in evaluating your idea, verifying its potential, and possibly helping you to develop it further. Your idea does not need to be fully developed before contacting TTO. In fact, it is to your advantage to reach out as early as possible, as this increases the chances of success for your idea in the market.
Collaborating with TTO is not an obstacle to publishing your research results. However, to protect your idea, it is important to speak with TTO before making your idea public.
TTO also assists with open innovation and the application of your research to new products, services, or methods that benefit society. You can discuss and receive advice on a good strategy for the impact and application of your research. To do this, please contact TTO and submit your idea by completing the DOFI (Disclosure of Invention) form.
Please complete the DOFI form as thoroughly as possible before contacting TTO. The date of the submitted DOFI form will be the starting point for the case processing.
Questions regarding commercialisation at INN should be directed to the Department of Research Administration via the Director of Research or the legal adviser.
Idea evaluation
When you submit an idea to the TTO, a thorough assessment will be made of its uniqueness, market need, and potential to become a useful product or service.
If your idea is considered to have good potential, significant resources will be invested in verifying the technology or method by creating prototypes and developing the idea towards a market-ready product or service.
Funding
An innovation project involves many expenses related to prototype development, working hours, equipment, patent applications, trademark protection, external expertise, travel, and more. TTO has expertise in and access to funding from sources such as the Research Council's FORNY commercialisation programme.
Patenting
For some ideas, it is appropriate to apply for a patent. A granted patent application will provide a competitive advantage in the market and serve as a platform for building value and providing predictability for various industrial partners.
If patenting is not possible, design protection, trademark protection, and confidentiality agreements can be effective methods for securing rights.
Patenting is not a barrier to publishing your research! You can combine patenting and publishing, but you must apply for the patent first. Any disclosure beyond confidentiality is considered public disclosure.
Market launch
A new product or service can be launched in two ways; the most advantageous method will vary from project to project.
TTO assists you with everything related to the establishment of the new company. You can choose to be employed in the company either full-time or part-time. If you prefer not to have an active role in the company, that is fine too. Perhaps a position on the company board suits you better.
When revenues are distributed in a limited company, the financial gain will be tied to the number of shares each shareholder owns.
In some cases, it may be more appropriate to license the use of the invention through a licensing agreement.
One or more established industrial players, who are already positioned in the relevant markets, will pay for the rights to exploit the invention and develop it into a product or service.
Inventors and other contributors will receive their rightful share of the invention’s usage.
TTO negotiates licensing agreements with relevant industry partners on behalf of INN and the inventors.
INN's right to use the knowledge further in research and teaching, as well as publishing rights, will be safeguarded.
Contact us
- marte.tondel@inn.no
- Phone
- +47 62 43 04 38