What happens when I contact OUI?
From the first conversation, we’ll help you find the right path to take your idea or knowledge forward – and make sure it’s protected at every stage.
What can I expect?
When you reach out to OUI, we work with you to uncover the potential of your work and shape your next steps.
You’ll play an active part in the journey. This could be by:
- Helping us understand your work
- Providing input for contract negotiations or patent drafting
- Developing proof-of-concept data or prototypes
- Meeting potential collaborators
- Working together on project delivery
Together, we’ll explore the potential for your idea to make a positive difference.
Your route to success
Every experience is different, and we’re here to support your individual path.
If you’re interested in helping an external party by sharing your knowledge, our Consultancy Services can help make that happen. Or if you’d like to set up a business that isn’t connected to University research, take a look at our Incubator.
This is what you can expect when you contact us about your research.
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The first step is to contact us. We’ll introduce you to an OUI expert who will ask lots of questions about your work and its potential, and guide you through protecting and developing your idea. We’ll also capture your initial thoughts on our Intellectual Property (IP) Record form.
At this stage, confidentiality is crucial. So avoid sharing your idea externally – including on grant applications, on notice boards accessible to the public, or even in the pub with friends. These all count as public disclosure and will prevent your ability to get a patent.
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Together, we complete the Intellectual Property Record form, capturing the essential details of your idea. We also assess existing knowledge in your field and agree on the best protection route – patenting or other options.
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We confirm ownership and rights with the University and, if appropriate, begin the IP protection process through patents, copyright and other mechanisms. We’ll cover the IP costs; you’ll help our team understand the technology so IP professionals can draft and submit the patent application.
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While the IP protection process moves forward (which can take years), you can continue developing your work. During this time, we’ll help you better understand the market potential and licensing opportunities, apply for funding, or invest in external experts if appropriate.
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We’ll help you spread the word about your project. We’ll talk to our networks and beyond through our website, social media, and press. Your insights help potential partners understand its value and applications.
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If an existing company is interested in your idea, we’ll negotiate the licence. Alternatively, we can help create a new company to develop and market your idea (or products based on your idea) – we call this a spinout.
If neither of these routes work out, we may offer you the option to continue independently.
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Any income from commercialisation is distributed between you (and co-contributors), your department and the University, in line with University regulations.
This ensures value for money for taxpayer funded research and is a key part of the cyclical nature of innovation funding. Returns generated through licensing, investment and company creation are reinvested into the University – supporting further research, enabling proof-of-concept funding, and helping the next generation of Oxford ventures to emerge.