University technology transfer structure and intellectual property policies

University technology transfer is big business. From 1996–2015, university technology transfer activities contributed almost six billion dollars to the United State gross domestic product. To accomplish these activities, universities implement entrepreneurial methods to transfer new creations made by members of the university community to the public benefit—specifically perfecting intellectual property rights, licensing, and creating start-ups. This Chapter begins with a brief overview of the history of university technology transfer to situate the discussion of current technology transfer issues. Technology transfer office structure options are then discussed before turning to an overview of intellectual property policies that govern the technology transfer process at various universities. Finally, the Chapter wraps up with a discussion of the incentives of various groups within the technology transfer process.