Working With Us
The Enterprise Unit, in combination with the scientific team, will strive to gain the maximum potential from any arising opportunity. The Unit has the expertise in place to undertake all aspects of negotiations required when entering into any agreements with commercial organizations and can also advise on the best plan of action for anyone who is exploring the option of setting up a new venture.
We can be flexible with agreements and the common principles detailed below should in no way be considered fixed, the exact details of any agreement will be discussed with each potential licensee or collaborator individually.
Scope: Grant and reservation of rights
In order to meet our mission of world wide patient benefit exclusive licenses will only be granted when they are essential to enable the licensee to commit the investment revenue to enable a product to reach the market (e.g. a novel drug). Licences to know how or background IP necessary for the application of the invention may be granted but in some cases this may be on a non-exclusive basis.
Payments
The ICR’s policy is to licence on fair financial terms recognising the contribution that the licensee will have to make to develop the invention further before it can be sold. Our primary aim is to get any inventions distributed world wide for patient benefit. Depending on ICR's contribution to the development of the product agreements may contain provisions for payment of royalties.
Delivering the Technology
The ICR may provide consultancy for a defined time in order to aid in transferring the invention depending on the invention, the researchers and the licensee. Alternatively, and more commonly, a collaboration will be initiated to develop the invention further before it is transferred.
Patents
The licensee will often be required to take over maintenance of any patents related to the technology and to file any new patents from inventions developed jointly.
Publications
The ICR will submit any publications relating to the invention to the licensee in a defined period prior to submission for approval and to allow time for any further patenting.
Academic Rights
As an academic institution it is usual for researchers to retain the right to do further non-commercial academic research on technology they have developed.
CR-UK
Any IP that arises out of work for which CR-UK is the main external sponsor will be assigned to CRT (Cancer Research Technology). The Enterprise Unit will liaise closely with CRT to ensure that the strategy for the exploitation of this IP matches ICR's mission. For IP that is not assigned to CRT the Unit will determine the best route for commercial exploitation, consulting as appropriate with relevant sponsors. Any IP generated through joint ICR/RMH projects or joint ICR/Breakthrough projects will be managed by the Enterprise Unit and any benefits shared.
