Technology Partnership Ombuds

The Ombuds Office is a resource to help resolve disputes in the area of technology partnerships, patents, and licensing at the Laboratory.

Ombuds' role

The Ombuds Office provides a confidential and impartial alternative for assistance with informal complaint resolution, problem-solving and communication, including through the use of collaborative alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation to facilitate the efficient and low-cost resolution of complaints and disputes.

The Ombuds Office operates in accordance with the standards of the International Ombudsman Association (IOA).

For more information about the establishment of Tech Transfer Ombuds Programs, please refer to the Department of Energy’s Technology Transfer Ombudsman Program (pdf). 

To learn about other Laboratory resources for businesses, visit:

• Business/Tech Transfer
• Small Business Office
• Community Outreach

Additional information on Ombuds' standards of practice

• International Ombudsman Association Code of Ethics (pdf)
• International Ombudsman Association Standards of Practice (pdf)
• Declaration of Best Practices for University of California Ombuds Offices (pdf)