Procedures

The following steps are involved in the licensing process:

1. The inventor/researcher must thoroughly review and understand Creighton University's Intellectual Property Policy (4.2.3).
2. The inventor/researcher submits an Invention Disclosure Form.
3. Disclosures received by IRM are logged in and assigned an identification number.
4. IRM will determine whether Creighton will file for a patent on the invention, and make patent prosecution decisions as the discovery is developed.
5. The staff member involved will meet with the inventor(s). Together they will discuss the discovery and assess manufacturing feasibility, novelty, potential applications and markets. If deemed viable, IRM will work with the inventor(s) on a preliminary licensing strategy.
6. If needed, IRM will attempt to obtain necessary resources to further develop the invention. Additionally, IRM will identify potential partners, and, where possible, will negotiate agreements to fund further efforts to perfect the invention.
7. IRM will endeavor to find a licensee for the discovery. IRM will work with the inventor(s) to prepare a license proposal, if an interested company can be found. IRM also will facilitate negotiations to arrive at a mutually satisfactory agreement for all parties.
8. After the licensing agreement has been signed, the licensee's performance is monitored by IRM throughout the duration of the license agreement. License agreements typically require periodic financial or development reports from the licensees. If needed, IRM will assist in reevaluating a licensing relationship to adjust to changed circumstances. Licensees or the University can request an amendment to the agreement at any time during its duration.
9. All royalties are collected by IRM. All royalty distributions occur within 30 days of receipt. Royalties are apportioned as follows:
   • The net royalty is the gross royalty minus direct expenses, such as patent costs that are not reimbursed by licensees, and other related expenses and 15 percent, which is deducted to support IRM's operations.
   • The net royalty distribution can be broken down as follows:
     • 50 percent is given to the inventor(s)
     • 50 percent is given to the University
     • The distribution of the University's portion is as follows:
       • 50 percent is disbursed to the University President's Office
       • 25 percent is given to the school at Creighton involved in the discovery
       • 25 percent is dispensed to the department at Creighton involved in the discovery

The invention disclosure process typically begins around the time of a new discovery.  It is important to contact IRM as soon as you feel you have invented something new, and before making your results available to anyone outside Creighton.  US and international patent laws have certain bars on what can be patented, and one of these bars relates to telling others about an invention before a patent application is filed.  We want to stress how important it is to contact us as early as possible to ensure no rights are lost at the onset.

The first step is to fill out an Invention Disclosure Form. This can be filled out electronically or physically, and then returned to IRM.  Please note that all applicable fields must be filled out, including the signature block.

After we receive a completed Invention Disclosure Form, we will create an electronic record in our database and begin the process of assessing the patentability and commercial potential of the invention.  This will in no way be a study of the academic merit of the invention.  This assessment allows us to see how different legal issues may affect our ability to obtain a patent and if there is a significant market size for the invention.  We welcome inventor involvement throughout this analysis.

If patentability and commercial potential both look promising we will work with external counsel to file a patent application, and begin the process of looking for an industry partner to champion the invention.  Ideally a potential licensee is found and IRM will negotiate an agreement whereby the licensee gets rights in the patent in exchange for a revenue stream that comes to Creighton.  The revenue stream would be distributed according to Creighton's Intellectual Property Policy (Section 4.2.3 (F)).

Please contact IRM with any questions about this process.

Damien Holzapfel          8,126,922          Issue Date 02/28/2012

CALENDAR SYSTEM

Abstract

A calendar system displays event data via an electronic calendar form that is accessible over a network by a user of a client computer.  The system stores event data for multiple events and selectively displays event data based on whether a calendar access request is received from a guest user or an authenticated user.  The system displays event data via a default calendar to guest users and displays event data via a customized calendar to authenticated users.  The default calendar displays event data for related events based on a contextual relationship that is derived by examining event data for each the multiple events to determine a position separation and/or a frequency of a user supplied keyword in the event data.  The customized calendar displays events based on contextual relationships and based on the viewing history of the user and other input data from user.

Robert Kizer          8,231,586          Issue Date 07/31/2012

CEREBROSPINAL FLUID COLLECTION TUBES AND METHODS

Abstract

A cerebrospinal fluid ("CSF") collection tube includes a bottom end portion and a tubular sidewall portion.  The tubular sidewall portion has a first end and a second end, the first end being sealed to the bottom end portion and the second end defining an open end portion of the CSF collection tube.  The CSF collection tube further includes a filament element that is attached to an interior surface of the tubular sidewall portion and projects through the open end portion of the CSF collection tube.  The CSF collection tube may further include a removable cap.

Alekha K. Dash         8,242,165          Issue Date 08/14/2012

MUCOADHESIVE NANOPARTICLES FOR CANCER TREATMENT

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition which includes nanoparticles.  The nanoparticles include a glyceryl monooleate or monolinoleate (or other mono fatty acid ester); a chitosan; and a cancer therapeutic agent, such as gemcitabine, taxanes, and hydrophobic cancer therapeutic agents.  Also disclosed are methods for preparing such nanoparticles and pharmaceutical compositions, as well as methods for treating breast, pancreatic, colon, prostate, and other cancers by parenterally, intravenously, or otherwise administering such nanoparticles and pharmaceutical compositions.

Nancy Jo Dohse Hanson          7,045,291          Issue Date 05/16/2006

MULTIPLEX PCR FOR THE DETECTION OF AMPC BETA-LACTAMASE GENES

Abstract

Oliognucleotide primers are provided that are specific for nucleic acid characteristic of certain AmpC beta-lactamases.  The primers can be employed in methods to detect the presence or absence of an AmpC beta-lactamase gene in samples, and to identify nucleic acid characteristic of AmpC beta-lactamase genes in samples, particularly, in clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria.

Nancy Hanson          7,521,547          Issue Date 04/21/2009

MULTIPLEX PCR FOR THE DETECTION OF AMPC BETA-LACTAMASE GENES

Abstract

Oliognucleotide primers are provided that are specific for nucleic acid characteristic of certain AmpC beta-lactamases.  The primers can be employed in methods to detect the presence or absence of an AmpC beta-lactamase gene in samples, and to identify nucleic acid characteristic of AmpC beta-lactamase genes in samples, particularly, in clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria.

Christopher J. Destache          8,846,096          Issue Date 09/30/2014

NANOPARTICLES AND METHODS OF USE

Abstract

Provided herein are nanoparticles and methods for using nanoparticles.  The nanoparticles include at least three antiretroviral agents.  When introduced to cells the nanoparticles cause an increase in the intracellular concentration of the antiretroviral agents to a level that is at least the IC50 against HIV-1 or HIV-2.  This concentration may be maintained for at least 21 days after the cells are contacted with the nanoparticle.  When administered to a subject the nanoparticles cause the concentration of the antiretroviral agents to increase to at least 100 ng/ml in the serum of the subject, at least 0.5 .mu.g/gram tissue in an organ of the subject, or a combination thereof.  Such a concentration may be maintained for at least 21 days after the administration.

Chris Destache          PCT/US2013/052829

POLYMERIC NANOPARTICLES IN A THERMOSENSITIVE GEL FOR COITAL-INDEPENDENT VAGINAL PROPHYLAXIS OF HIV

Abstract

An antiretroviral composition that gels upon heating and can be administered prophylactically prior to exposure to a retrovirus following sexual intercourse, and methods of using the same.

Gary Guishan Xiao          8,841,269          Issue Date 09/23/2014

POLYNUCLEOTIDES FOR USE IN TREATING AND DIAGNOSING CANCERS

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for increasing sensitivity of cancer cells to an antiestrogen agent, such as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM).  The methods include administering to the subject a polynucleotide in an amount effective to increase the antiestrogen agent sensitivity of the cancer cells.  The cancer cells may be estrogen receptor positive, such as ER-a66 positive or ER-a36 positive, prior to the administering.  Also provided are methods for decreasing the amount of estrogen receptor present in a cancer cell, methods for determining whether antiestrogen agent sensitivity of cancer cells in a subject can be increased, methods for diagnosing whether a subject has, or is at risk for developing, cancer, and methods for identifying an agent that increases the amount of let-7 miRNA in a cell.

Nancy D. Hanson          6,242,223          Issue Date 06/05/2001

PRIMERS FOR USE IN DETECTING BETA-LACTAMASES

Abstract

Oliognucleotide primers are provided that are specific for nucleic acid characteristic of certain beta-lactamases.  The primers can be employed in methods to identify nucleic acid characteristic of family-specific beta-lactamase enzymes in samples, and particularly, in clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria.

Nancy D. Hanson          6,893,846          Issue Date 05/17/2005

PRIMERS FOR USE IN DETECTING BETA-LACTAMASES

Abstract

Oliognucleotide primers are provided that are specific for nucleic acid characteristic of certain beta-lactamases.  The primers can be employed in methods to identify nucleic acid characteristic of family-specific beta-lactamase enzymes in samples, and particularly, in clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria.

Nancy D. Hanson         6,905,848          Issue Date 06/15/2005

PRIMERS FOR USE IN DETECTING BETA-LACTAMASES

Abstract

Oliognucleotide primers are provided that are specific for nucleic acid characteristic of certain beta-lactamases.  The primers can be employed in methods to identify nucleic acid characteristic of family-specific beta-lactamase enzymes in samples, and particularly, in clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria.

Nancy D. Hanson          7,476,520         Issue Date 01/13/2009

PRIMERS FOR USE IN DETECTING BETA-LACTAMASES

Abstract

Oliognucleotide primers are provided that are specific for nucleic acid characteristic of certain beta-lactamases.  The primers can be employed in methods to identify nucleic acid characteristic of family-specific beta-lactamase enzymes in samples, and particularly, in clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria.

Ashfaque Hossain          8,062,845          Issue Date 11/22/2011

RAPID NUCLEIC ACID ISOLATION METHOD AND COMPOSITIONS

Abstract

A method of isolating RNA from a biological specimen is provided, whereby a biological specimen is contacted with an admixture of (i) a mono-phasic solution of phenol and guanidine isothiocyanate and (ii) a lysis buffer under conditions and for a time appropriate to form a homogenate.  Next, the homogenate is admixed with a water-immiscible organic solvent under conditions and for a time appropriate to form an aqueous phase and an organic phase.  The aqueous phase is then contacted with a C₁-C₄ lower alcohol under conditions and for a time to form a precipitated RNA.  The precipitated RNA is then recovered by centrifugation and decanting of the aqueous phase.  The method can also be used to isolate total RNA.  In an alternative embodiment, the biological sample is contacted with (i) a lysis buffer, and (ii) a mono-phasic solution of phenol and guanidine isothiocyanate under conditions and for a time appropriate to form a homogenate.  The remaining steps of this embodiment are the same as above.

Kristina Simeone          PCT/US2013/045353

SEIZURE THERAPY

Abstract

Method and a composition are utilized to affect mitrochondrial functions on a seizure-genic brain region.

Roger D. Reidelberger          8,977,517          Issue Date 03/10/2015

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR EVALUATING EFFICACY OF APPETITE-AFFECTING DRUGS

Abstract

System and methods to evaluate and administer drugs.  The present invention instantaneously identifies the effects that drugs, including appetite-affecting agents, have on animals.  Data is collected automatically and analyzed and further organized to identify feeding patterns and the effect an appetite-affecting agent has on those feeding patterns.  The present invention includes a system for data management, including a program with a data acquisition phase and a data analyzing phase to determine the feeding patterns of animals to aid in the evaluation of appetite-affecting drug efficacy.