DBT, India links Exclusive Licensing of Intellectual Property to TRL level

 Department of Biotechnology released DBT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GUIDELINES 2023.

The policy guidelines tried to answer the long-debated issue- Exclusive licensing of technology vs. non-exclusive? While recognizing the merits of exclusive licensing, an attempt is made to link it TRL level.

5.2. Exclusive licensing 

5.2.a. For research leads in lower TRLs, exclusive licensing may be considered. 

5.2.b. Public interest should be protected with clauses on the availability of the final product in Indian markets at affordable rates, especially for products with the potential for mass deployment. 

5.2.c. Timelines on commercialization should be clearly defined in a licensing agreement. 

5.2.d. Preference to Biotech SMEs and Manufacturing in India. 

5.2.e. Preferred purchase arrangements for start-ups for products developed under government-funded programs. 

5.2.f. A standard licensing agreement framework may be developed by the public institution that would ensure a share of the revenue earned by the licensee to be given to the partnering public institutions for a limited timeframe. 

5.2.g. The license shall be subject to the irrevocable, royalty-free right of the Government of India to practice or to require the licensee to grant sublicenses to responsible applicants, on reasonable terms, when necessary to fulfill the health safety or security needs of the country.

Research Landscape and performance benchmarking in biotechnology

This report gives a glimpse of what is happening in DBT-funded research institutes. Patent analysis:

Between 1997 and 2027 DBT applied for 256 distinct patent families, on the average of 22-24 per year. NII, Delhi is the msost active with 42 of the 256 followed by IGGEB with 27 and CDFC 11, NCCS 10, NBRC 9, RGCB-8

Also read: Ravi, R., Janodia, M.D. University-Industry Technology Transfer in India: a Plausible Model Based on Success Stories from the USA, Japan, and Israel. J Knowl Econ 13, 1692–1713 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-022-00908-z

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13132-022-00908-z

Compendium of Technologies available for transfer from IIT Delhi

 

IIT Delhi has filed more than 100 patents each calendar year for the last 5 years in a row , the technology transfer set-up led by Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, IIT Delhi (FITT) strives to increase licensing deal flows.  In the recently held Industry Day at IIT Delhi, a compendium of IIT Delhi’s technologies was released. In the context that University technologies are generally early stage, this compilation by FITT captures 4 or higher TRL stuff. 

Some areas for Licensing

• Communication
• Environment
• Electric Vehicles
• Energy Management
• Healthcare
• Life Sciences
• Material Sciences
• Motors and Machines
• Power Generation and Disctribution
• Renewable Energy
• Smart Technologies
• Textiles

Report on Evaluation of Innovation Excellence Indicators of Public Funded R&D Organisations

 

A quality report but wrongly titled as talk of  innovation excellence is pre-mature.

A total of 193 R&D labs were considered for this report from out of 660 listed in DST directory. A  majority 70% have either not responded or do not have details for analysis, strange considering this is an initiate of Office of Principal Scientific Adviser. Innovation Excellence is covered under the pillar Science, Technology & Innovation Excellence' which measured Scholarly Research Output, Development and Innovation Output , Commercialisation of Technologies,  Revenue Generation and Collaborative Research. The findings:

• The patent filings have slowed from 657 in 2017-18 to around 605 in 2019-20. The patents filed for by the 193 labs account for around 2 percent of the total patents filed within India and outside India by Indian residents. In terms of patents granted, the 193 labs accounted for around 8 percent of the total patents granted within India and outside India to residents in India.
• A total of 1513 new products and 1480 new services were introduced in the period under consideration. Of the 193 labs, there were 46 labs that did not introduce a single new product or service in any of the three years.
• The labs earned over Rs 5300 Cr over the three year period, with the main contribution coming from earnings through consultancy fees. The earnings through consultancy fees through non-government is however driven by a small number of labs that are also engaged in providing services to specific sectors like manufacturing, infrastructure and healthcare whereas the government consultancy earnings are driven by sectors such as electronics and infrastructure among others. Earning from commercialization (2019-20) was Rs 31 crores from government sources and Rs 36 crores from no- government sources. Extra mural funding from government sources was Rs 3959 crores from government sources and  Rs 259 crores from non-government sources.

The labs reported 1192 technologies in 2019-20 alone as TRL 5 and above targeted towards SDGs. Their  meaning is not clear to me.

Micro level data

Volume II has lab level data, two taken for illustration.

CEERI

Engineering is the bugbear of CSIR labs. This lab in electronics and statistics for 10 crore spend in 2019-20.

• number of patented filed- 0
• number of patents licensed out-0
• contribution to standards , regulation-0
• new products/ services introduced-0.23
• earnings from government sources- 0.02
• earnings from non- government sources-0.14

Institute of Nano Science and Technology

Some labs are always in the news, riding the hype curve.

• Number of PhDs, Masters and Graduate degrees awarded by the lab or awarded through collaboration with a University (per 100 scientific staff)- 13.92
• Whether the PhDs have been examined by one or more foreign assessors as an organisation policy- NIL
• Number of national awards and recognitions and fellowships received by members of the lab (per 100 scientific staff) -0
• Number of international awards and recognitions and fellowships received by members of the lab (per 100 scientific staff)-0
• Number of publications in quality peer reviewed journals (per 100 scientific staff-115
• Number of citations received by papers published in the preceding three calendar years (per 100 scientific staff)-1690
• Percentage of publications in top 10% journals-8.33
• Number of commissioned technology development/ design/project reports prepared (per 100 scientific staff)-0
• Number of IPRs filed (per Rs.10 Cr spent)-0.47

Recommendations

The present study reveals that there has been an increase in international technology transfers from14 in 2017-18 to 20 in 2019-20, but a gradual decline in the numbers of domestic technology transfers, from 636 in 2017-18 to 613 in 2019-20.

• Allocation of certain financial resources to all labs which can be mobilized additionally for translational research, pilot plant trials and scale-up. of the technologies developed in the labs for their improvement in ‘Technology Readiness Levels’. 
• In order to encourage the scientists to enhance the volume and value of IPRs and subsequent technology transfer, it may be useful to have provisions for definitive career interventions like financial incentives (cash awards, additional increments etc.) and preferential promotional rules.

CDOT GPON Technology- developed, patented globally and transferred to industry- but not a success story

C-DOT's GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) technology offers an excellent mix of triple play services (voice, data & video) to end users. This is an indigenous development of C-DOT and offers advantages in terms of appropriateness for Indian environment, Innovation & local manufacturing. Current technology delivers a downstream data rate of 2.5 Gbps and an upstream data rate of 1.25 Gbps on a single fibre over a distance of up to 60 Kms. One optical fiber from OLT can be shared with up to 128 users. Signals from the OLT to the ONT are encrypted (secure) and then broadcasted to workstation devices. Signals from the workstation devices are then multiplexed back to the OLT.

In 2011, Indian Minister for Communications and IT Kapil Sibal,  transferred Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) Technology to seven telecom manufacturers in public and private sectors – Indian Telephone Industries Ltd. (ITI), Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), VMC Systems Ltd, United Telecoms Ltd. (UTL), Sai InfoSystem (India) and S M Creative Electronics Ltd . In addition, Technology transfer agreement has also been signed with Tejas Networks Limited for customized development and Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL). US patent (Patent number: 10567075) for GIS based centralized fiber fault localization system was filed in 2016 and received in 2020.

Adoption of GPON in enterprise environment was studied by Stanislav Milanovic. Applied GPON based POLs in the enterprise environment enabled the convergence of voice, data and video onto a single strand of single mode fiber, which reduced the network infrastructure hardware to a fraction of what is required in terms of cabling and electronics in the conventional Ethernet approach. The solution not only enabled easier maintenance, but also improved efficiency with regard to end user-related, adds, moves and changes. Deployed GPON based POLs in the enterprise environment extended service to any stationary Ethernet end point. It enabled the delivery of reliable and highly secure unified network providing IP voice, data, and any type of video over a single fiber. It also increased the size of the network building block which greatly simplified enterprise network deployment, operation, and management. The solution supported energy conservation, since the optical LAN infrastructure utilized passive components like optical distribution hubs and fiber plant that required no power or cooling, resulting in significant energy savings. Implemented POLs provided immediate return on investment and a low total cost of ownership compared to copper-based LANs.

GPON Vs EPON

EPON and GPON have their own advantages and disadvantages. GPON is better than EPON from the performance index. However, EPON has the advantage of time and cost. GPON is catching up and looking forward to the future broadband access market. GPON will be more suitable for customers with high bandwidth, multi-service, QoS and security requirements and ATM technology as the backbone. For cost-sensitive, QoS, security, less demanding customer base, EPON has become dominant.

EPON began massive deployments in Japan and  South Korea. In 2005, China Telecom started EPON field trial in 4 provinces to learn how to deploy EPON. Interoperability is critical for the success and deployment of  EPON widely, so China Telecom started IOP research in 2005. In 2007 CTC achieved large scale and all‐round chip and system  EPON IOP the first time in the world (3 chip vendors, 10 system  vendors). For operators with 1G EPON-based deployments — particularly Korea Telecom, Japan‘s NTT DOCOMO access, China Telecom and China Unicom, 10G EPON is quickly becoming the next-generation technology of choice for providing both asymmetric and symmetric 10 Gbps services. 10G EPON equipment shipments and revenue continue to grow, driven currently by China Telecom, which is in the process of upgrading a portion of its first-generation 1G networks to provide more bandwidth to multi-dwelling units, or MDUs.

EPON technology matured with Chinese Telecom service providers active participation. What about Indian Scenario?

DRDO technologies for licensing

DRDO has listed several dual use/ commercial technologies under category B. They can be checked at:
https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/English/index.jsp?pg=cat-b-technology.jsp

The following agencies can be contacted for Technology Transfer

1. National Research Development Corporation
2. Confederation of Indian Industry
3. PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry
4. The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India

 Technologies transferred are listed at:
https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/English/index.jsp?pg=cat-b-tech-delivered.jsp

Additional list of technologies ready to transfer are at:
https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/English/index.jsp?pg=cat-b-tech-ready.jsp

ITRI signs MOU with SKYQEST

Skyquest signed up an MOU with Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan for Technology Commercialization support on 21st September 2012 at Taipei International Invention Show INST 2012 in Taipei.

About ITRI: A leading High Technology R&D Center under Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt of Taiwan. It has been granted average of 5 patents a day for more than 10 years. It has approx 16000 Patents across sectors, an MIT equivalent in Asia… http://www.itri.org.tw/eng/

About Skyquest: SkyQuest Technology Group is one of the rapidly growing organization supporting Innovation ecosystems worldwide providing access to technologies, markets and finance. We work closely with innovators, inventors, innnovation seekers, entrepreneurs, companies, government agencies and investor alike in leveraging external sources of R&D and capitalize on market opportunities. www.skyquestt.com

Commercialization of major agro innovations-Slow-Release Micronutrient Fertilizer and Liquid Feriliser

Attended NIABI 2012 and made a brief presentation on Design for Diffusion. While I talked about diffusion theory, my co-speakers Ms Gupta (FICCI) and Dr Vyas (AAU) gave practical examples of diffusion by way of  licensing to LARGE Indian firms. 

First is on Slow Release Micronutrient Fertiliser , result of 2 decades of passion & effort by Scientist Dr Chandrika Varadachari, one of the few Young Scientists whose potential was recognized early by DST and the scientist delivered. Great work by FICCI, Nirankar & his team connecting innovators to Indian firms. Second is Liquid Fertiliser  ( Anubhav Liquid Bio-fertilizers) developed by Anand Agricultural University and technology licensed to GSFC. Again a great achievement by Dr RV Vyas and his team.

Many more opportunities for in-licensing by Indian firms: Agribusiness Knowledge Centre (AKC), NAARM campus, Hyderabad has prepared report `Technology Assessment and Commercialisation Evaluation' of selected agribusiness innovations as a follow of Technology Commercialisation workshop held at NAARM (Sept 29th to 1st october 2011). For copies contact: DSK Rao, Director, Agribusiness Knowledge Centre, NAARM Campus, Rajendra Nagar,Hyderabad - 500 407, Tel:   +91-40-24581380, Cell:  +91-9440051847

Opportunity for professionals to work on world bank funded Technology Commercialization Project in Kazakahstan

A global consortium led Skyquest has been shortlisted in phase-1 of  this TCO project (RFP № KZ/TCP/QCBS-01) and is in the process of identifying professionals.
For professionals willing to spend 3 years (2012-2015) in beautiful Kazakhstan, here is the opportunity to join the team at this bidding stage. Check your suitability for the following positions:
1.IP Analyst: Minimum 5 years experience in a TTO of university or corporation.
2.Business Information Officer: MBA with 5 years experience working in an incubator or investors.
3.Licensing officer: MBA or PhD with 5 years experience in negotiating licensing and skilled in using technology transfer software.
4.Business Development Officer: MBA or PhD with 5 years experience in business development projects in university like entrepreneurship, mentoring.
5.Marketing .& Industry partnership officer: MBA or PhD with experience in licensing to large commercial firms locally and globally.


Interested- send your brief resume to Neha Jhala, neha.jhala@skyquestt.com
Last date: 12/11/2011

National Mega Meet on Technology Commercialization, Hyderabad, Sept 29

The National Mega Meet on Technology Commercialization is a unique meet crafted by 
GISPL along with leading Technology Commercialization Specialists in India. The meet is 
inviting 100 patent holders and another 100 captains of industry, investors & technology 
commercialization experts to review all the 100 patents and choose 5 most promising technologies for commercialization. The subsidized fee for the 3 Days National Mega Meet (Sept 29th to 1st October 2011) inclusive of Kit, Boarding & Lodging for Outstation Participants with stay in NAARM Guest Houses is fixed at Rs.13,000/.
Contact:  Ms. K.Archana, Phone: +91-40-24581380, Email: archana@gyantechinfo.com

BS 8538:2011 Specification for the provision of services relating to the commercialization of intellectual property rights

BS 8538 is the British Standard that sets out for the first time good practice and principals of ethical behaviour for organizations providing services to inventors.BS 8538 specifies the requirements for the provision of services to the originators of intellectual property with a view to their commercialization. It specifies principles for the ethical behaviour of the service provider relating to:

• Integrity and competence, Transparency regarding fees, costs and finances, Confidentiality and the disclosure of information, The declaration of interests and conflicts, Complaints handling.

It also specifies a process for service provision, covering:

• Initial engagement with the originator, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Evaluation of the originator’s idea, Commercial agreements for the provision of advice and/or services.

USA invests billions in new energy Research and VCs take manufacturing to China

US Secretary of Energy Steve Chu is concerned that the research funded by state might instead produce manufacturing efforts overseas while the US economy failed to capitalize on DOE’s investment. Billion dollar question "how to ensure that innovative research funded through entities like the new Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is taken up by venture capitalists and companies to effect economic transformation in the US".
Read: nature.com