Technology Transfer

West Chester University offers Technology Transfer and Commercialization services for faculty, students and staff of the University.  We are here to guide students, faculty, and staff to commercialize the university’s intellectual property to benefit society and the communities we serve.

Technology transfer is the process of transferring scientific findings from one organization to another for the purpose of further development and commercialization. The process typically includes:

  • Identifying new technologies
  • Protecting technologies through patents and copyrights
  • Forming development and commercialization strategies such as marketing and licensing to existing private sector companies

Technology Transfer and Commercialization Services: PASSHE Procedure/Standard 2018-37

Guiding Steps Through the WCU Tech Transfer Process

  1. Faculty members develops invention and contact Dr. Cheryl Neale-McFall.
  2. OSRP emails faculty member a Technology Disclosure form and links to the PASSHE Policy on Technology Transfer and Commercialization, and the APSCUF Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article 39
  3. Faculty member submits Technology Disclosure form to ORSP
  4. Associate Provost for Research and Creative Activity reviews form and consults with advisory council to assess* the invention on the following characteristics:
    1. Is there Substantial use?
    2. Has there been prior public disclosure?
    3. Is there a public need or market demand?
    4. Are there Co-inventors?
    5. Are there other Sponsor rights?

    *The assessment will provide feedback for the licensing strategy, such as whether the invention is ready for market or requires more development and to license exclusively or non-exclusively.

  5. If the invention is determined to merit intellectual property protection, the Technology Disclosure form and council’s recommendation are sent to the Provost’s office for a second opinion.
  6. If Provost’s office agrees with the council’s recommendation and:
    1. There is no substantial use, and no Federal funds were used, Faculty decides whether to sign ownership of IP to WCU.
    2. There is no substantial use, but Federal funds were used, the Federal agency dictates the ownership of the IP.
    3. There is substantial use, but no Federal funds were used, ownership is with WCU.
    4. There is substantial use and Federal funds were used, the Federal agency dictates the ownership of the IP.
  7. Faculty member signs paperwork and the Associate Provost for Research and Creative Activity sends Technology Disclosure form and all necessary paperwork to PASSHE legal counsel.
  8. PASSHE legal counsel prepares and submits provisional patent application.
  9. PSRF, with input from the faculty member, will create a marketing overview of the technology and identify and contact potential licensees that have resources and business networks to bring technology to market.
  10. If patent is approved and PSRF finds a licensee, PSRF will prepare and execute a licensing agreement.
  11. The licensee pays a royalty to the university from which a distribution will be paid to the faculty based on APSCUF CBA.

For more information, please visit the PASSHE Technology Transfer and Commercialization website.