Office of Technology Innovation and Commercialization records

The Office of Technology Innovation and Commercialization, formerly known as the Division of Technology Transfer, was formed as the result of a task force commissioned by President Richard M. Freeland in 1997. The findings of the task force emphasized the importance of research, technology transfer, and intellectual property control to "augment the intellectual contribution and stature of the University." In July 1999, the Division of Technology Transfer was created to "promote university affiliations with industry and increase the transfer of NU technology for society's use." The Division is a mediator between Northeastern faculty and researchers; the commercial market; and the national and international copyright and patent legal requirements necessary to ensure successful patenting of new inventions. The Division is concerned with research sponsorship; the capturing, protection, and licensing of new intellectual property; and the generation of income from intellectual property to increase research funding. In 2010, the Division was renamed the Office of Technology Innovation and Commercialization.