The Office of Intellectual Property (OIP) and the Copyright Licensing Office facilitate the commercial development and public use of technologies and copyrightable materials developed by MSU faculty and staff.

If the technology is patentable OIP works with inventors to obtain patents and then to license the invention to third parties in return for royalties, which are shared with the inventors under University policy. MSU licensees include large and small companies worldwide, and a growing number of entrepreneurial ventures in and around Lansing, Michigan.

If the material is a copyrightable work, Copyright Licensing staff will assist with licensing the product to third parties, or with distributing the product through University channels. As with patentable technologies, royalties on licenses of copyrightable works are shared with the product authors under University policy.

In addition, OIP staff process and track Confidential Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, and other documents relating to collaborative arrangements with non-MSU entities; assist faculty with applications for external funding; review intellectual property language in pending grants and contracts; and assist faculty contemplating start-up companies.

Please call OIP at 517.355.2186 for more information.