Emory Patent Group: Protecting Emory Inventors’ Intellectual Property Since 2010

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 …

Marking Milestones: 40 Years of Firsts at Emory OTT

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 …

OTTie’s Summer Travels: Following Emory OTT’s favorite office mascot around the world

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 …

OTTers Reflect on 40 Years of Creating Impact

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 …

Celebrating 40 Years of Innovation: The Story of Emory OTT

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 …

From the Director: Emory OTT Celebrates 40 Years of Innovation

Happy New Year, and I hope 2025 brings you joy, happiness, and prosperity. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Emory’s Office of Technology Transfer (OTT), so I’m reflecting on what the world looked like four decades ago. In 1985, Back to the Future was released, and who knew the kind of cultural phenomenon it would become? Michael Jordan was also named NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 1985 (but I think we all knew then that he was something special). Personally, I’d just finished my undergraduate degree at Oregon State University and had begun my research career at the Read More …