The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is the first UK government organisation to sign up to the Easy Access intellectual property (IP) scheme.
The scheme is aimed at promoting new ways of sharing IP and adopting new approaches to make it easier for Dstl to work with other research organisations and industry, thus ensuring new technologies are made available to those best placed to exploit them.
Dstl is initially making 6 patent families available under the scheme, which includes a rucksack for connecting to electrical devices. This technology is a multi-functional frame and wearable mounting system such as a rucksack, harness, or body armour. The frame provides the wearer with ‘universal’ power and network connections for electrical devices.
Easy Access IP originated from Glasgow University, working with King’s College London and the University of Bristol, which recognised that some IP can be difficult to commercialise through traditional ways, either because it’s too early stage or presents some uncertainties for a company to risk investment.
Easy Access IP addresses this by offering technologies free of upfront fees or royalties, using quick and simple agreements, to make it easy for companies to access the IP and put it to use.
Professor Jon Cooper, Vice Principal for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation at the University of Glasgow said:
“The Easy Access approach is a model for promoting the exploitation of Intellectual Property that was originally pioneered by the University of Glasgow, and we are therefore delighted that Dstl is joining the growing number of research institutes that have chosen to adopt it. We look forward to working with Dstl on this exciting development, further raising the awareness of its structure and role in stimulating innovation.”
Dstl’s Head of IP, Graham Farnsworth said by offering free access to some of Dstl’s IP, which has a lower technology readiness level, our partners can evaluate and put things to use quickly:
“We hope that this scheme will allow us to develop new relationships with industry and academia, and by releasing appropriate IP in this manner we hope our innovative ideas can be developed, benefitting the economy and society as a whole.”
People are invited to find out more and submit a statement of intent for a license, outlining their plan for future development and exploitation
Dstl’s technology transfer company, Ploughshare Innovations Limited, will continue to commercialise technologies through spin-outs and licensing, focussing on those of a higher complexity in nature requiring multi-party arrangements or financial investment, as well as those which are strategic for Dstl and the Ministry of Defence.
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