Introduction to Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation

Categories: SARIMA COURSES

About Course

This course will focus on intellectual property (IP), its protection and commercialisation.

The first part of the course will focus on creating a credible technology transfer programme, the drivers and rationale for such a programme, as well as provide some pointers on crafting an institutional IP policy.

The second part of the course focuses on building and sustaining a technology transfer culture within an institution, the types of Technology Transfer Offices (TTO) that are possible, as well as the policies and frameworks that are important to sustain and grow the function.

Finally, the course focuses on the commercialisation of technologies.

Course Information

Structure:

  • Module 1: Introduction to intellectual property
  • Module 2: Introduction to technology transfer
  • Module 3: Introduction to IP commercialisation

Successful completion:

  • Progress quiz: after each module to self-check content understanding (does not count towards overall course mark)
  • Discussion forum contribution: after each module to confirm module knowledge application (5% of total course mark)
  • Course Assignment: to be completed any time before exam (35% of total course mark)
  • Course Exam: to be completed for final assessment (60% of total course mark; 50% exam pass required)
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What Will You Learn?

  • This course will focus on intellectual property (IP), its protection and commercialisation.
  • The first part of the course will focus on creating a credible technology transfer programme, the drivers and rationale for such a programme, as well as provide some pointers on crafting an institutional IP policy.
  • The second part of the course focuses on building and sustaining a technology transfer culture within an institution, the types of Technology Transfer Offices (TTO) that are possible, as well as the policies and frameworks that are important to sustain and grow the function.
  • Finally, the course focuses on the commercialisation of technologies.

Course Content

SARIMA ONLINE SHORT COURSE STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

  • STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
  • Student Acknowledgement

Introduction

Module 1: Introduction to intellectual property
As we may appreciate, the knowledge and the ability to translate that knowledge into socio-economic outcomes, has become essential to the survival of countries. The ability to generate, protect and derive benefit from intellectual property (IP) is a critical competence that has become important in addressing a myriad of socio-economic challenges. The first part of this module will focus on the importance of IP protection within a public research organisation. It will be mapped out against recent developments in developed and developing countries. The second part will focus on the different types of IP and how protection can be achieved for each IP type. The last part of the module will focus on the essential elements of an institutional IP policy and what can be done to foster a culture of IP management. In recent years, the scope of IP relevant to public research organisations has expanded beyond traditional categories to include software, databases, algorithms, digital research outputs and AI-derived works. These emerging forms of IP increasingly shape institutional strategies and should be considered in modern IP management practices.

Module 2: Introduction to technology transfer
In this module, public technology transfer will be discussed. Global trends in technology transfer from a university technology transfer perspective will be looked at. A generic technology transfer process, and the various stages involved in technology transfer will also be discussed. Although it is not a linear process, it is depicted as linear for ease of reference. This module also focuses on Technology Transfer Offices (TTO), and the different types and drivers of success. Lastly, important points to consider when starting a technology transfer programme will be discussed.

Module 3: Introduction to commercialisation
In this module, a definition of commercialisation from the perspective of different stakeholders who have an interest in commercialisation will be examined. The various modes of commercialisation, and specifically the two most prevalent modes used in a technology transfer setting: licensing and new venture creation will also be discussed. The last section focuses on the valuation of intellectual property. This is a complex topic but has been included because of its importance to the commercialisation of technologies. In South Africa, the commercialisation of publicly financed research is governed by the IPR Act of 2008. The practical implementation environment has been further shaped by updated NIPMO Guidelines, which clarify institutional obligations relating to disclosure, benefit-sharing, licensing approvals, spin-out equity arrangements, and reporting requirements.

COURSE ASSIGNMENT

Exam

SARIMA Online Short Course Evaluation

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