Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer
It is the policy of East Tennessee State University to:
- encourage inventions, discoveries, and the production of copyrightable and trademarkable materials by members of the institution;
- facilitate the utilization of such discoveries and materials to the benefit of the public, the University, and members of the University community through dissemination of results; and
- provide for the equitable sharing of any proceeds derived from the commercial exploitation of inventions, discoveries, copyrightable and trademarkable materials in which, pursuant to the ETSU policy on Patents and Copyrights, the University is deemed to have an interest
ETSU's Technology Transfer Officer is Dr. Nick Hagemeier, the Vice Provost for Research and Chief Research Officer.
Next Steps
Please see the official East Tennessee State University and United States policies for intellectual property and technology transfer. Once reviewed, obtain the appropriate forms for copyright and invention disclosure. Email completed form(s) to Dr. Nick Hagemeier.
ETSU and U.S. Policies for IP&TT
|
Information and Guidelines Concerning the Patent & Copyright Process at ETSU |
Forms for Copyright and Invention Disclosure
About TTAC at East Tennessee State University
In partnership with the ETSU Research Corporation, East Tennessee State University is a proud member of the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC)—a statewide initiative led by Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) to support innovation, research commercialization, and entrepreneurship across Tennessee’s universities and research institutions.
As a TTAC member, faculty, researchers, staff, and students at East Tennessee State University have access to resources that help evaluate and advance the commercial potential of ideas, technologies, and research discoveries. TTAC supports our institution in screening and validating technologies, exploring intellectual property (IP) opportunities, and connecting innovators to commercialization pathways.
If you have an invention, early-stage research, or even just an idea you’re exploring and want help understanding its commercial potential, we encourage you to connect with your Commercialization Counselor and submit a TTAC Idea Submission Form.
TTAC Resources Available to You
- TTAC Innovation Fellowship: A 6-week training program offered each Fall and Spring to help researchers evaluate commercial potential and explore entrepreneurial pathways. More information here. More information here.
- TTAC Travel Grant: Supports travel to industry conferences and events that help advance the commercialization of your technology. More information here.
- TTAC Proof of Concept Funding: Awards between $1,500–$15,000 to help validate early-stage ideas and build a proof of concept. More information here.
- TTAC Maturation Grant: Awards of $50,000–$100,000 to help de-risk technologies through milestone-driven collaborations with industry partners. More information here.
- TTAC Partnership Program: Funding for strategic events and initiatives that connect the university to external industry and innovation partners, fostering a culture of commercialization on campus. More information here.