Universities and Research Centers

Universities and Research Centers

Dann Dorfman Herrell and Skillman represents universities, hospitals, research institutes, and academic medical centers to assist them in protecting their intellectual property. Indeed, many of our attorneys have advanced degrees and have worked at universities and medical research centers prior to joining the firm. We work closely with these institutions to develop intellectual property strategies that are cost-effective while maximizing the present and future value of their intellectual property portfolio. We recognize that many universities, while having very talented faculty and inventors, are often not in a position to best commercialize their intellectual property themselves. Therefore, in many instances partnering with an outside entity through licensing or formation of a startup company, for example, is a preferred route to maximize a return for their innovations. We assist university clients in structuring business deals that enable the university or research center to realize the economic value of its intellectual property.

As a result of Dann Dorfman Herrell and Skillman’s extensive experience in serving university and research clients, our firm has developed an understanding and appreciation of the interplay between a university’s mission as an academic institution and its desire to secure patent protection for its inventions. We appreciate that, as an educational institution, a university has a strong commitment to the timely publication of discoveries to contribute to the body of scientific knowledge. We also understand that this commitment can be hampered by the requirement (in all countries except for the United States) that a patent application be filed before any public divulgation. Consequently, we understand the dynamic that exists between faculty who want to publish early and frequently and the university administration who wish to make sure that appropriate steps have been taken to protect their intellectual property before publication.