Licensing your invention
One pathway open to you that requires a less time-intensive commitment.
We have helped academics, researchers and clinicians license technologies, ranging from gene therapies to fast-moving consumer goods, to improve lives, businesses and also generate income.
When is licensing a suitable option?
Your idea has a clear use case
Licensing is well-suited to a focused technology that solves a specific or well-defined problem.
Your idea has strong intellectual property protection
This means that no one can copy your idea.
Potential licensees are interested in the project
We can help identify a potential licensee, giving your technology a clear commercial route.
Your invention needs funding to prove it beyond the theory
For ideas and projects that are not fully developed, licensing may not be the right pathway.
Our experts are here to help find the right pathway for you.
What licensing involves
This clarity and support matters, especially for researchers who want impact without compromising
academic identity.
Your role as an academic
You remain the expert on your invention; we rely on your insight, data and clarity of the problem it solves, while UCL Ventures takes care of commercial matters.
Once the licence is agreed, your role may evolve. Some researchers remain in contact with the licensee, although this depends on the arrangements in place.
Other possible routes and information
Common questions
Definitely. Many of the researchers we support to market continue to teach and research.
Licensing can sometimes be a smaller time commitment - but that is not always the case, depending on the agreement you reach with the licensee.
It's never too early for a conversation with UCL Ventures. If your idea is still in its infancy, then our Business Managers may even be able to advise on ways to make your research more suitable to take to market, or better positioned commercially.
Get in touch here.
Licensing is a very effective way to take research to market - especially when it has a well-defined application or use case (a narrow IP position), or is a platform technology.
Who will you work with?
Find the commercialisation expert who understands your field and how it can be applied
Meet your Business Manager