The distribution of profits from commercialization, as stipulated in the Regulations on the Management of Copyrights and Related Rights, Industrial Property Rights, and Commercialization Principles at the Medical University of Gdańsk, which is Annex No. 1 to Resolution No. 48/2017 of the MUG Senate dated November 27, 2017, is as follows:
- Direct Commercialization – If the University independently introduces inventions to the market, the Employee receives 50% of the funds obtained from such commercialization. This amount may be reduced by no more than 25% of the direct costs associated with commercialization, incurred by the University or the Medical Innovation Center (CIM).
- Indirect Commercialization – If commercialization occurs through licensing or selling the rights to an invention, the Employee receives 50% of the funds obtained by CIM. As with direct commercialization, this amount may be reduced by up to 25% of the costs incurred by the University or CIM.
Why Does the University Retain 50% of the Funds?
The profit-sharing model considers the significant role played by the Medical University of Gdańsk in the innovation process. The University not only provides researchers with the space to carry out research grants but also incurs numerous costs associated with protecting and implementing research results, including:
- Providing research infrastructure – laboratories, equipment, and access to resources necessary for conducting research.
- Opportunities for securing and implementing grants – national and international research grants that serve as a key source of funding for scientific projects.
- Legal and administrative support – assistance in managing intellectual property, preparing contracts, and negotiating with business partners.
- Patent protection – In most cases, the University covers the costs of patent applications, which, in the case of international protection, can amount to hundreds of thousands of PLN.
- Supporting the commercialization process – marketing activities, market analyses, and seeking investors and companies interested in implementing the technology.
Additionally, it is essential to highlight that employees conduct research and develop results within the framework of their employment at the University, and their salaries include monthly payments for fulfilling their professional duties. According to the provisions of the cited Regulations, all intellectual property developed as part of official duties at MUG is owned by the University. This means that MUG not only bears the costs of protecting and implementing inventions but also finances their development at the research stage.
There is also an option for an Employee to commercialize their invention independently. In such a case, the University’s share in the profits amounts to 25% of the funds obtained by the Employee, after deducting no more than 25% of the direct commercialization costs incurred by the Employee. This allows each innovation to find the best implementation path, ensuring optimal benefits for both the creators and MUG.
We encourage you to contact the MUG Technology Transfer Office for detailed information on commercialization rules and support in the innovation implementation process!