Licensing GW Technologies

Licensing is the foundation of the GW Technology Commercialization Office’s (TCO) relationship with our corporate and industry partners. We have a number of technologies available to license, and we seek partners who have a strong interest in the cutting-edge research available at the George Washington University.

Improving Satellite Maneuverability

A GW research team developed a micro-cathode arc thruster able to provide small levels of thrust that make it easier to maneuver micro- and nano-satellites in space. TCO worked with the inventors to patent the technology, then licensed it to a space transportation and rocket manufacturing startup. Check out other Success Stories.

Overview of the Licensing Process

STEP 1: Find a Technology

To find desired technologies, please search our available technologies. We can also help companies identify technologies that fit their needs. To make a specific technology request, please contact us.

STEP 2: Due Diligence

Companies can request additional information (e.g., patent applications, presentations and manuscripts) from our licensing associates, and, if needed, all parties will sign a Confidentiality Agreement. Our licensing associates can facilitate meetings with GW inventors.

STEP 3: Option is Negotiated (Sometimes)

An exclusive option to a license may be negotiated if a company wants to reserve rights while performing additional due diligence research or testing. An option locks up licensing rights for the company for six to twelve months with a relatively simple agreement and relatively small costs compared to a full license. In general, an option only requires the company to pay for ongoing patent costs rather than also reimburse past patent costs. Options generally also involve a modest upfront fee.

STEP 4: License Term Sheet is Negotiated 

A term sheet is used to negotiate the business terms of a license. The term sheet allows us to focus on key items (e.g., patent rights, exclusivity, field, fees, royalties and equity) without getting bogged down by too much legal language.

STEP 5: Draft License

TCO provides a draft license agreement that we will negotiate with your company.

STEP 6: Develop and Sell a Product

After the license is signed, the company can develop, market and sell its products/services that are based on GW-owned intellectual property. GW inventors often provide licensees valuable advice on how their technology works.

STEP 7: An Ongoing Relationship

We will collaborate with you and your company on patent filings and responses to patent offices' actions to obtain strong IP protection. You will keep GW informed of development and sales efforts, and pay fees and royalties to GW per the licensing agreement. Our office will support company commercialization efforts by connecting to investors and corporate partners and facilitating sponsored-research at GW. Please refer to GW’s Patents and Scholarly Work Policy for details. TCO has funds available to match research sponsored at GW by licensees. Please refer to the SBIR Matching Fund for details.