A brief description of several technology transfer mechanisms is given below. The most appropriate mechanism will depend on the objective of each partner. Since the process to implement each of these mechanisms is conducted at each laboratory, individuals interested in partnership should access the technology transfer contact at the specific site of interest. On the other hand, no Federal funding is provided to industry Rights to inventions and other intellectual property are negotiated between the laboratory and participant, and certain data that are generated may be protected for up to the five years. Often the government can agree not to disseminate commercially valuable data that are generated under a cost-shared contract or a limited period of time.
Licenses can be exclusive or, for a specific field of use or for a specific geographical area.
The potential licensee must present plans for commercialization. The DOE Invention Licensing Home Page and its associated databases contain information on Department-owned patents and patent applications, which are available for public license and commercial use. Costs are borne by the organization sending the personnel. Intellectual property arrangements can be addressed in exchange agreements. If the work will be published, the cost can be adjusted.