The Basics of Technology Transfer

By Technology Transfer

Technology transfer is a process through which technical information and products developed by the Federal government are provided to potential users in a manner that encourages and accelerates their evaluation and/or use.

The technology transfer program at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is designed to leverage the research capabilities of USGS scientists with the commercial development potential of the private sector. It encourages the adoption, use, and commercialization of USGS research products through partnerships and is oriented toward finding potential users of USGS technology. Technology transfer tools such as Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) and patent licenses provide incentives to commercialization and use of USGS developed technologies.

Patenting and licensing of intangible intellectual property are key components of a successful technology transfer program. The Federal government can grant non-exclusive, exclusive, and partially exclusive licenses within specific fields of use to companies interested in marketing, manufacturing, or using federally developed technology protected by a patent.

These licenses are agreements between the government and the technology users that permit the licensees to make, have made, use, offer for sale, or sell a particular product or process.