By Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation - BITRI
Technology Transfer involves the movement of technology from its creator (BITRI) to an end user (members of the public), particularly in the form of products and services. Licensing: Licensing is whereby BITRI, as the owner of a technology, grants another entity permission to make, sell, use, import, and/or offer the technology for sale under agreed written terms and conditions. BITRI retains ownership of the technology; Fair royalties support further research and development; Preference for non-exclusive licenses; Priority given to local SMEs and companies. Assignment: Assignment constitutes the sale of a technology to another party to manufacture or produce it at commercial scale and sell it to end users. Ownership is transferred from BITRI to the buyer; Buyer assumes full commercial responsibility; Technology deployed at market scale. Spin-offs & Start-up Companies: BITRI may establish spin-off or start-up companies where no suitable venture capitalists exist to take up technologies through licensing or assignment. BITRI-led commercialisation initiatives; Investor participation encouraged; Joint ventures with private sector partners. Intellectual Property Rights: All BITRI technologies made available for licensing or assignment are protected through appropriate intellectual property rights. These rights provide the licensee, assignee, start-up or spin-off company exclusive rights to make and sell the technology for a limited period. Common intellectual property rights include patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyright. The exclusivity granted enables partners to recover investment costs, grow their ventures, and make fair profits. Accreditation: Before licensing or assignment, all BITRI technologies undergo accreditation with the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) to establish fitness for purpose and compliance with national standards.
Compiled from http://bitri.co.bw
