Intellectual Property
The purpose of the MaineHealth Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property division is to foster discovery and the development of inventions by MaineHealth workforce members that will advance the delivery of healthcare for the benefit of the public.
Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.
Disclosure Process
- The disclosure process begins with the innovator contacting the Innovation Center (IC) for an informal review of the circumstances and subject matter of the invention.
- If a determination is made that the invention may be patentable, the IC will request the inventor to submit the MaineHealth Intellectual Property Disclosure Form.
- If the health system does proceed, the IC will maintain dialogue with the inventor and a patent attorney to develop a patent application. Patent issuance can take anywhere from 18-26 months.
Benefits
After thorough review of other health system policies, MaineHealth developed the generous MaineHealth Intellectual Property Policy. which splits any income derived from IP earnings between the inventor, the inventor’s department, and MaineHealth.
Breakdown of Intellectual Property Income Allocation:
| % to MaineHealth Workforce Member (Inventor) | 40% |
| % to Inventor’s MaineHealth Department | 20% |
| % to MaineHealth | 40% |
Additional benefits include:
- Inventor has higher % repayment and chance of success
- Opportunities for inventors without lab shares
- Use of MaineHealth facilities, equipment, personnel, etc.
- MaineHealth IP and Tech Transfer expertise
- Commercialization connections and business coaching
Various commercialization paths may be pursued, but all involve some type of licensing of patent rights. Licensing technologies is a challenging step in the process of technology transfer. Inventors are highly encouraged to build relevant industry networks, publish articles about the technology, and attend conferences and tradeshows to promote the technology.
Take the First Step
Set up an informal review to see if your idea qualifies as intellectual property.
Already have IP with MaineHealth?
Make sure to complete our IP One-Pager form so we can highlight it in the Intellectual Property Portfolio IP Portfolio.
Want to learn more?
For more information about Intellectual Property at MaineHealth, check out our MaineHealth Intellectual Property FAQ and the MaineHealth Intellectual Property Policy.
Questions? Email us to set up a meeting.
Upcoming Information Sessions
MaineHealth Innovation offers monthly Intellectual Property (IP) information sessions for all MaineHealth care team members to learn more about how to protect their ideas, the IP process and the support MaineHealth can offer. Monthly sessions are held on the second Wednesday of each month. Join the meeting on Teams.
