Accelerating the Impact of WHOI Innovations
Express License for WHOI Founders
Founding a company is one way to commercialize research-derived innovations. The Office for Technology Transfer aims to support WHOI inventors and entrepreneurs in starting businesses based on intellectual property (IP) from the WHOI ecosystem. As part of this effort, the institution has developed an Express Template License for WHOI inventors, providing an expedited and transparent pathway to licensing.
Benefits for the Express License
Startup and investor-friendly terms
Low up-front costs
Deferred payments
Fast-track process
Key Licensing Terms
Worldwide exclusivity (in a specified field)
Choice of License format:
- Royalty-based without Equity, or
- Equity with a reduced Royalty rate
$500 Upfront License Fee
$10k of Patents Costs are waived, with the balance deferred
You may qualify for the express license if:
- You are a WHOI employee
- Your startup company is based on WHOI IP
- You are an inventor of the WHOI IP
- The IP is solely-owned by WHOI (not by another institution, individual, or company)
There may be additional considerations related to IP ownership, other inventors, other licensing interest etc. - we would encourage you to come speak with OTT if you have questions on eligibility so we can best advise you.
The Express Template License is not the only avenue for licensing technology from WHOI. Please come speak with OTT so we can discuss your particular situation, the associated IP, and licensing options.
Please come talk to OTT. This will depend on the licensing and IP arrangement with the other institution, company, or individual.
The current version of the Express Template License is not intended for licensing software. However, if you are interested in founding a software-based WHOI spinout company, please contact OTT. We will work with you to structure a license that supports your particular business plans.
Previously executed licenses cannot be re-negotiated.
By using pre-determined startup-friendly terms, the Express Template License saves the time and
expense of protracted negotiations. These terms have been vetted as both fair and investible for
academic spinout companies. WHOI is willing to enter into negotiations if a startup feels it needs
changes to the agreement, but this will extend the process. In addition, the institution will seek
standard market-rate terms & fee structures, which are less favorable.
Ready to get started?
Start the process by setting up an introductory call with a member of the OTT team.
When meeting with OTT to start the Express License process, OTT will provide the Express License term sheet, walk you through key terms, and answer any questions you may have.