FAQ
When should I get in touch with TTO?
If your work has led to development of an invention that may have an application in society, or you believe may be of commercial value to other parties, then speak to us before publishing any information about it. The moment you communicate in public about details of the invention, even via posters or abstracts, it is no longer possible to protect it with a patent.
We also provide assistance with contracts, consortium agreements and other such legal matters related to working with external organisations. Our legal team can help with negotiations, valuation of resources and drafting of legal documents.
What can TTO do for me as a scientist?
TTO primarily functions as a support mechanism for delivering the fruits of your research to society. We have the expertise and access to the networks necessary to turn research into a product for the benefit of society. We do this by seeking to protect your invention legally, secure private and subsidy funding for further research, attract industrial partners for collaboration or licensing, and through creation of a spin-off that can market the invention directly.
Is TTO working in my interest?
TTO exists not only to commercially exploit intellectual property but we actively help scientists with promising early-stage work find the funding necessary to advance the research. It is our mandate to protect the interests of the VU & VUmc, but this is not done at the expense of the scientist’s interests – we understand that the university will thrive only if research is stimulated to the fullest extent possible.
What are my rights to ownership of the results of my research?
By law, any intellectual property that comes about as part of your employment at the VU or VUmc belongs to the university. However, should you be inventor of a technology that successfully enters the market and earns revenues, you personally will be awarded part of the net income, according to the IP regulation that the VU&VUmc have adopted
Why can I not publish before a patent application?
The moment details of an invention enter the public domain (even in a presentation at a conference), the invention is no longer deemed novel, and will not be granted a patent. It is therefore very important to speak to TTO before publishing so that together you can ascertain whether it would be a good idea to file a patent.
Will I have to defer publishing until the patent is granted?
No. Once an application has been filed you are free to publish. From the moment you speak to us we can complete the review and filing process within one month if you already have a manuscript.
Why is patenting so important?
Basically a patent reduces the already considerable risk involved with taking a new invention to market. Investors and potential buyers of your technology, in other words those with the expertise and finances to bring your research to society, will not touch work that is open to intellectual property theft. Having a patent thus in effect gives monetary value to an invention.
