The University of Colorado is a leader in turning scientific discoveries into patentable technologies, and putting those technologies to use through start-ups and commercial partnering. Export controls are part of this strategy, and provide a key layer of protection during vulnerable times when an innovation is still being perfected.
For research that is otherwise fundamental in nature, export controls become relevant at the point in which a researcher takes a discovery in general and applied science and reduces it to practice in a manner that can ultimately be patented. Export controls on the technology itself are lifted once the patent application is filed.
OEC works closely with Venture Partners to ensure that all CU innovations are protected, and that CU IP owners remain informed as to how to navigate the various stages in the IP lifecycle.