Negotiations on the licensing of property rights are often at the beginning of technology transfer. They are often complex due to the complex mix of legal framework conditions, global market developments, different views on the value of an invention and the market potential, and therefore require a high level of expertise from all parties involved. The new guide, which was written by the association's technology transfer experts, provides compact information on the licensing process in the life sciences, especially for those new to the subject.
Birgit Kerber, Co-Head of the Technology Transfer Working Group at BIO Deutschland, explains: "With this guide, we want to create an understanding of the needs and possible expectations of those involved in the licensing process. The better informed the various parties are going into the licence negotiations, the more likely it is that a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached. The guide is intended for all technology transfer stakeholders in the field of life sciences, such as scientists interested in founding a company, companies and technology transfer organisations, especially those that only occasionally deal with life sciences topics.
Thomas Hanke, also Co-Head of the Technology Transfer Working Group, adds: "Patents are particularly important in biotechnology and make a significant contribution to the value chain. Patents are, so to speak, the "guardianship" of innovation. Patent-based licence negotiations are often at the beginning of the exploitation process and frequently take a long time due to avoidable misunderstandings or a lack of experience on the part of those involved. This delays the innovation process and means that important inventions and products, such as new drugs, reach the market later or, in cases of doubt, not at all. This is where our licensing guide comes in to improve technology transfer.“
