Author: Asher Alt

It’s a tale as old as tech transfer: an academic researcher invents a revolutionary technology and wants to get it out of the lab to the public, maximizing its real-world impact. But there are many steps involved in this process – including securing intellectual property protection via patents. For that, they’ll need a patent application with strong claims and knowledge of their university’s IP policy. If they’re an Emory inventor, the Emory Patent Group (EPG) is the go-to resource for navigating the patent process. Patent Power When Emory inventors make a discovery or innovate a new technology, they disclose it Read More …

At Emory Office of Technology Transfer (OTT), we’ve trailblazed many “firsts” in our 40 years, which have opened the door to hundreds of discoveries, partnerships, and breakthroughs — events that continue to define our impact today. Here are 9 milestones worth remembering. First Invention Disclosure: A Potential Drug to Control Steroids In 1985, the same year OTT began, the first invention disclosure was submitted: “Novel Compounds for Inhibition of Steroid Biosynthesis” from inventor Dave Lambeth, PhD. An invention disclosure is the confidential document that starts the journey from idea to impact, capturing the details of a discovery so OTT can Read More …

At Emory’s Office of Technology Transfer (OTT), we’ve long referred to ourselves as “OTT-ers”— pronounced like “otters,” the adorable marine mammal. While the nickname started off organically, it eventually stuck, becoming a fun, unofficial way to describe the team. That same nickname also inspired the introduction of OTTie: a plush, stuffed otter who got his start a few years ago as a way to celebrate the work happening within the office. But OTTie quickly became more than just a symbol of success—he’s become a member of the team in his own right. He’s posed for photos, been passed from desk Read More …

Emory’s Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) helps researchers and inventors turn their research into reality, and the people behind the scenes make it possible. OTT staff members are a tight-knit team who work tirelessly to commercialize Emory technologies and maximize their impact. Did you know that we call ourselves OTTers (or “otters”)? Our collective nickname, along with our monthly OTTer Award honoring high-performing licensing associates, build a strong sense of camaraderie and drive us to do our best work. To celebrate the outstanding work of OTT employees over our 40 years, we asked a few current OTTers about their experience Read More …

The passage of the Bayh-Dole Act in 1980, which allowed universities to take ownership of their inventions made with federally funded research, was a pivotal moment for academic innovation. The shift prompted universities nationwide—including Emory University—to establish technology transfer offices to facilitate this newfound process, and by 1985, Emory had created its Office of Technology Transfer (OTT). Over the next four decades, Emory OTT grew into a leader in the field, setting the standard for how universities can transform academic innovation into tangible solutions. As we celebrate 40 years of Emory OTT, let’s take a closer look at its beginnings, Read More …