Clear and fair IP agreements should lead to more academic spin-offs
Dutch universities are presenting a new national standard for agreements on the transfer of intellectual property (IP) to academic spin-offs. These National IP Deal Term Principles will accelerate the transition from groundbreaking research to innovation, economic activity, and social value. The new agreements provide clarity on the transfer of IP and shares. The primary objective is to ensure that deals are fair and in line with market conditions.
The Netherlands is among the world leaders in scientific research, but the translation of promising research into society and the economy can be further strengthened. It is often too risky for companies to convert research into an application. Academic spin-offs can then form the bridge between the university and the market.
What is being agreed?
The National IP Deal Term Principles (2.0) build on the earlier IP Deal Terms from 2023. Since then, experience has been gained with dozens of spin-offs. Based on this experience and feedback from practice, the principles have been further refined. The IP Deal Terms consist of principles on the basis of which agreements are made about the transfer of intellectual property from research institutions to spin-offs. The focus is on maximizing the impact of the research. In addition, it is important that the agreements are transparent and consistent, and that there is fair compensation for the IP for research institutions. For example, Dutch compensation for IP is competitive when compared to international standards. In addition, the scope of the IP Deal Terms has been broadened. Previously, they only applied to researchers who left employment entirely. Now they are also more broadly applicable.
Next steps
The IP Deal Terms were developed by the Knowledge Transfer Offices (KTOs) of Dutch universities, with input from Techleap. All universities will use the Deal Terms. In addition, the principles will soon be supported by practical tools, including legal documents for spin-off start-ups, developed in collaboration with Capital Waters. Most university medical centers will also supplement the IP Deal Terms with a sector-specific variant.
Knowledge institutions will also collaborate more closely to generate more knowledge transfer. Together, they are establishing the Knowledge Exchange & Entrepreneurship Network – Netherlands (KEEN-NL), which will work on further professionalizing knowledge transfer. KEEN-NL will also continue to evaluate and (if necessary) further refine the IP Deal Term Principles in collaboration with universities, Techleap, and entrepreneurs.
