Disclosures received by OTL are logged in, assigned a docket number, and assigned to a specific associate for management. Henceforth, the assigned associate is responsible for all actions relating to the docket. A preliminary licensing strategy will be developed.
Different inventions require different licensing strategies.
For example, a basic new scientific tool likely to be widely used is typically licensed on a non-exclusive basis. In contrast, an invention which requires significant investment of resources by a company is typically licensed on an exclusive basis. The exclusive license provides an incentive to the licensee to commit risk capital investments required for product development. Part of developing a license strategy involves seeking information and feedback on market risk from various sources such as potential licensees and venture capital firms. Confidentiality agreements may be required to protect overseas patent rights if no public disclosure of the invention has occurred.