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Review
. 2010 Mar;49(2):147-54.

Moving research to patient applications through commercialization: understanding and evaluating the role of intellectual property

Robert M Patino  1
Affiliations
Review

Moving research to patient applications through commercialization: understanding and evaluating the role of intellectual property

Robert M Patino. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 2010 Mar.

Abstract

The advancement of research from discovery to the delivery of medical care can be limited without the support of industry to sponsor its continued development. Federal government financial support is generally crucial in early-stage development through funding from the NIH, National Science Foundation, and other federal agencies; however, government support generally stops shortly after basic research discoveries have been reported. Much of the cessation of financial support derives from the government's regulatory responsibilities, as sponsoring the commercialization of a product conflicts with regulation of the approval for clinical use of a drug or device. Furthermore, differences in goals, resources, and flexibility render government, as compared with private industry, inefficient and less responsive to market demands with regard to stream-lining the development of and enhancing the quality of products and services offered. Thus, industry and private investment provide the bridge that converts new discoveries into healthcare products that are available to consumers and patients. This conversion occurs through commercialization, which involves both high risks and high rewards. Taking advantage of the commercialization option for research development requires an understanding of the technology transfer process. This article reviews 5 topics: 1) industry motivation to invest in academic research; 2) institutional considerations in partnering with industry; 3) academia's interactions with inventors in the commercialization process; 4) the research institution's route to commercialization, and 5) the role of intellectual property and commercialization in the advancement of healthcare.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Forms of intellectual property protection. The definitions of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret were obtained from the United States Patent and Trademark Office and are a copyright work of the US Government (17 U.S.C. § 403).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
General movement from idea conception in the academic setting to commercialization.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Commercial development pathways most commonly used in moving a product or service to market. This diagram illustrates frequent key steps as funding is sought, buyouts take place, and collaborations progress.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Forms of funding available to assist small companies with innovation development.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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