When initiating licensing discussions with our customers, one of the questions I’m often asked is, "What type of license is right for my situation?" Even though every situation is different, our Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS) will help you find the right option.

Most people think you need one of two things to start a business, a million dollars or a million-dollar idea. You don’t need to develop your own technology to start a tech-based venture. NASA’s Technology Transfer University (T2U) initiative introduces fledgling student entrepreneurs to NASA technology commercialization. What does that mean? Let’s take a step back for a moment and talk about what “NASA-developed technology” is.

Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive

So, what is the difference between an exclusive and a non-exclusive license agreement? There are several factors, but every company should consider four major differences: rights, costs, expectations, and public announcement.  

The NASA Technology Transfer program offers businesses the opportunity to license NASA-developed intellectual property (IP) for use in commercial industry. Each potential licensee must submit a license application to be considered for a license agreement. How does this process work and what potential issues should companies look out for during the application process? Let’s find out!

The typical process for licensing a technology from NASA involves 4 steps: