Tech Launch Arizona is seeking a self-motivated, outgoing individual with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively for an entry-level Licensing Associate. Reporting to the Director of Licensing and Intellectual Property, this position will work with University of Arizona faculty/staff inventors and creators of software, information technology (IT), and copyright inventions, working to bring these inventions through the commercialization process, ultimately to generate societal and economic impact and create a better world.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Familiarize the faculty, staff, and students with TLA in terms of purpose, intellectual property relevant to software and IT, process, and value of commercialization across the University.
- Help streamline the technology commercialization process for software, other copyright, and IT-related inventors and creators by shepherding invention disclosures, patent applications, marketing collateral, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), term sheets, options, license agreements, and other necessary elements in the technology transfer process.
- Understand the research activities across UArizona and assess the potential of those research activities for intellectual property protection and commercialization.
- Participate as a valued added contributor in grant proposals, industry contracts, and related activities.
- Attend software and IT research seminars and related research and commercialization events.
- Foster relationships with software and IT-focused faculty to make them aware of commercial potential for their research, both present and future.
- Guide inventors through invention disclosures, NDAs, conflict of interest considerations associated with startups, and other interactions with TLA.
- Work with inventors to determine technology milestones, timelines for moving technology into a commercial product, and appropriate IP strategies, and help to assess and prioritize inventions for TLA’s Asset Development funding.
- Work with TLA marketing and market research teams to identify potential licensees and contacts within those companies.
- Work with researchers, TLA’s IP manager and team, and outside patent counsel to manage patent applications and the prosecution of inventions and filing of copyrights as appropriate.
- Negotiate various agreements for intellectual property rights, including licenses or options, and manage ongoing relationships with licensees.
- Participate in outreach events to promote TLA and licensing opportunities.
- Additional duties may be assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- General knowledge in information technology, management information systems, computer science, or related domain.
- General knowledge of intellectual property law, intellectual property evaluation, and contracts, especially as pertains to a university setting.
- Strong business ethics and service orientation combined with tolerance for ambiguity, ability to cultivate relationships, and superior communication skills, both oral and written.
- Multi-faceted negotiation skills with the ability to express complex ideas and positions clearly and succinctly.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, peers, academics, and other professionals, including external agencies, with varied interests and perspectives.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required and 1 year of relevant work experience is required in technology licensing, business development, contract negotiation, or commercial assessment experience, including the development, preparation, review, or execution of a wide range of business contracts.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree or equivalent in a software-related field.
- Over 1 year of relevant work experience in technology licensing, business development, contract negotiation, or commercial assessment experience, including the development, preparation, review, or execution of a wide range of business contracts.
- Experience in working collaboratively with researchers, creators, or technical staff related to IP matters in IT-related domains as would be encountered in a university setting.
- Experience working with mobile applications.
- Experience with intellectual property, specifically copyright and patents.
- Experience as a team player who seeks, and uses effectively, instruction and advice from professional colleagues.