CoCatalyst offers two types of Open Innovation service

1. Finding a technology solution to your problem or innovation need

2. Connecting you to licensees for your proprietary technologies and Intellectual Property

We operate specific processes for each type of service, designed to connect you rapidly to the most promising network contacts and expertise, while ensuring that your own Intellectual Property and business sensitive information is protected. Here is how we can help you find licensees for your IP:

The CoCatalyst IP Out-Licensing Process

The steps in detail

1. Definition

During the Definition phase, CoCatalyst uses a combination of TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) and other tools to:

Identify primary filtering criteria for evaluation of potential IP Licensees

Agree scope of Research activity in terms of “no-go” and priority industry areas

Understand the functionality of the system in which the IP is directed (primary function of this system) and prepare a basic generic functional description of the technology

Scope the IP in terms of initial problem situation, contradiction to be solved, likely scope of final granted claims

Agree what information can be shared at a non-confidential level and at basic initial discussion NDA level

Create an initial generic statement of the solution

2. Analysis

During the Analysis phase, CoCatalyst uses a range of TRIZ and other tools to:

Model the system in terms of its evolutionary status, related system conflicts and potentially relevant generic problem statements

Identify any other potential developments of the IP which might enhance the value of the IP grouping to be licensed

Generate an Ideal Final Result statement for the protected solution

Prepare a value proposition by target industry sector for the protected technology

Translate from initial solution description to abstract solution descriptions and then to potentially relevant search terms, IPC and Derwent classification codes for potential licensees

Identify potentially relevant prior art for investigation

Prepare a Research plan

3. Research

During the Research phase, CoCatalyst uses the TRIZ solution formulation developed in the Definition phase together with the further generic TRIZ solution statements, descriptions in related prior art, search terms, IPC and Derwent codes from the Analysis phase to target specific industry areas of interest. Using the resources of the British Library, keyword, citation and classification searches of literature and IP databases are conducted . Additionally, contacts will be identified through the CoCatalyst network which spans a range of different industry sectors and includes a number of unique connections to academics, incubators, SMEs and established larger companies. Using these methods CoCatalyst can connect the client to a custom network, specially designed to deliver against the project requirement.

4. Integration

During the Integration phase, CoCatalyst works closely with the client to identify the strongest contractual options and to identify potential issues up-front. CoCatalyst will also work with potential licensees to ensure the smooth integration of the client technology into the licensees system, recommending ways to overcome potential technological obstacles. CoCatalyst provides a first contact point for initial discussions with licensees, assuring confidentiality for the client. Using associates with a strong commercial background, CoCatalyst can then facilitate more detailed contractual negotiations, providing advice to the client about how to overcome issues raised during the process.