Commercialising intellectual property : spin-offs

This fact sheet deals with the creation and management of spin-offs as instruments for the commercialisation of intellectual property (IP) rights. Spin-off, also known as "spin-out" are entities intended as a separate legal entity created by a parent organisation (PO) to exploit its IP assets. Once the company is established, the PO will transfer or license to it the IP concerned, for the spin-off to commercialise it. This fact sheet identifies the key factors to create a well-conceived spin-off company with a main emphasis on the IP-related aspects that can contribute to its success. Creating a spin-off is a common practice in Universities and Research Organisations (ROs), for them to exploit and maximise the economic benefits of the knowledge created, as often these organisations lack the required capabilities to market their intangibles. Spin-offs are one option to commercialise IP, i.e. bringing IP to the market in order to be implemented.