The Licensing Process: From Idea to Implementation

The licensing process transforms ideas into real-world applications. From initial disclosure to commercialization, we ensure that innovations are protected and successfully brought to market, benefiting both inventors and society.

1. Report Your Invention: Submit an invention disclosure to protect your intellectual property and allow us to explore licensing opportunities. Ensure you submit before any public disclosure.
2. Discuss Your Invention: An intellectual property manager will contact you to gather details, evaluate the commercial potential, and develop a licensing strategy. This information is then presented to the IP committee for further evaluation and decision-making.
3. Securing IP Protection: We pursue IP protection, typically through patents. You will work with us to draft and review the patent application, overseen by a patent attorney. Not all innovations require IP protection; the decision is based on potential benefits and costs.
4. Marketing the Technology: We actively market the technology through various methods, such as posting technology summaries on our database, participating in industry events, personalized outreach campaigns, and collaborating with industry partners. Our goal is to identify and connect with potential licensees.
5. Licensing the Technology: We negotiate terms with potential licensees, outlining the scope, royalty rates, payment terms, sublicensing rights, and other relevant conditions. We help develop plans with the licensee to bring the technology to market, including milestones, timelines, and strategies for product development, marketing, and distribution. Additionally, we assist in negotiating upfront fees, milestone payments, royalties, and revenue-sharing arrangements.
6. Commercialization: We ensure the licensee advances the innovation and makes necessary business investments. We monitor progress, ensure compliance, and address any issues that arise during the commercialization process. This includes supporting research and development, obtaining regulatory approvals, implementing sales and marketing strategies, and providing training.
7. Revenue Distribution: Inventors receive 50% of net proceeds from commercialization. According to the Henry Ford Health intellectual property policy, revenues are split equally between the inventor(s) and Henry Ford Health after covering patent expenses. 20% of Henry Ford’s share goes to the inventor’s department. Once distributions reach $100,000, 15% of the net proceeds are allocated to HFI to support general operations, while the remaining 85% is divided equally between the inventors and Henry Ford Health.

The licensing process at transforms ideas into real-world applications. From initial disclosure to commercialization, we ensure that innovations are protected and successfully brought to market, benefiting both the inventors and society.

Frequently Asked Questions