Overview

Download a copy of our NEW technology transfer brochure - Partner Smart with Berkeley Lab (1.4 MB, PDF)

The Technology Transfer Department helps move technologies from the Lab to the marketplace to benefit society and the U. S. economy. We accomplish this through developing and managing an array of partnerships with the private sector.

We license a wide range of cutting-edge technologies to companies that have the financial, R & D, manufacturing, marketing, and managerial capabilities to successfully commercialize Lab inventions. In addition, we manage lab-industry research partnerships, ensure that inventions receive proper intellectual protection, license technology to start-up companies, and serve as the Lab resource on industry relations.

Activities

Successful technology transfer involves a number of steps, beginning with the invention of new technology or development of software. These inventions are evaluated, then if appropriate, intellectual property protection (patents or copyright) is sought. Collaborative research with industry may further develop the technology. The technology may be promoted, and is hopefully licensed. Learn more about the technology transfer process here.

Mission

Technology Transfer:

• Promotes the use of Berkeley Lab technology to benefit society through licensing Lab inventions to companies capable of successfully commercializing them;
  
• Supports the research mission of the Lab by finding industry partners to sponsor Lab research and through generating licensing income that supports future Lab research;
  
• Earns a fair return and recognition for the Lab and inventors; and
  
• Contributes to regional and national economic development.

Accomplishments

The Technology Transfer Department are staffed by professionals experienced in developing, protecting, and licensing intellectual property. Over the last five years, Berkeley Lab has:

• Received 140 U.S. and 30 foreign patents
  
• Entered into 85 licenses or options for technologies in a wide range of fields including biotechnology, energy, nanotechnology, IT, materials discovery, semiconductor manufacturing, and health.
  
• Entered into over 150 commercial software licenses and over 35,000 non-fee bearing software licenses
  
• In the last 10 years, Berkeley Lab has engaged in over 150 research partnerships totaling over $100 million.

Licensing

The department’s licensing staff assesses Lab technologies, seeks appropriate intellectual property protection, and works with industry to license Lab inventions, software, and other intellectual property. Berkeley Lab has licensed technologies to companies large and small, domestic and foreign. The terms of each license are based on the nature and stage of the technology, potential applications, and current and future markets. Learn more at Licensing.

Collaborative Research

The department facilitates many types of industry-Lab research partnerships. These agreements may take many forms, but all of them leverage the unique expertise and resources at the Lab to support industry’s development of new technology and the Lab’s mission.

Marketing

The technology marketing group promotes Lab technology and research opportunities to industry. Our approach ensures that companies have access to Lab inventions and that we work with those companies most capable of commercializing Lab technologies.

Staff Contacts

Organizational Chart

Links

The TTD works closely with the Lab’s patent attorneys to protect intellectual property and with the Lab’s Sponsored Projects Office on Lab research that is not funded by Department of Energy (DOE).

LBNL is operated by the University of California. Information about the University’s technology transfer can be found at the Office of Technology Transfer.

Information on specific patents can be found at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office site.