Stony Brook University has introduced the Commercial Licensing and Express IP terms for Applied Research (CLEAR-IP) program, aimed at streamlining the process for industry partners to license intellectual property developed through applied research collaborations.
The CLEAR-IP initiative offers three licensing options: Non-Exclusive Royalty-Free (NERF), Exclusive, and Traditional. These pathways are designed to address different business needs, from immediate royalty-free access to project IP, to exclusive rights for bringing new discoveries to market, or allowing companies time to evaluate results before making commercialization decisions. The program applies to eligible for-profit company-sponsored research agreements and select government-funded subcontracts valued under $1 million.
According to Michael Kinch, Chief Innovation Officer at Stony Brook University, “CLEAR-IP is a game-changer for how Stony Brook partners with industry. Too often, the journey from idea to impact is delayed by lengthy negotiations that don’t serve the urgency of innovation. With CLEAR-IP, we’re removing friction from the process and giving our partners the clarity, speed, and flexibility they need to bring groundbreaking discoveries to the marketplace.”
The university states that CLEAR-IP establishes predictable and scalable terms while ensuring compliance with federal funding regulations and institutional policies. Companies can choose options ranging from research-only licenses to exclusive commercialization rights based on their current stage of development.
Kinch added, “Commercialization is a critical pathway for translating academic research into real-world solutions. With CLEAR-IP, we are signaling to industry that we are serious about partnerships and serious about impact.”
Administration of the program falls under the Office of Sponsored Programs and Intellectual Property Partners within Stony Brook’s Office for Research and Innovation. Additional details are available on the CLEAR-IP website.
