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IP & Licensing

IP & Licensing

The primary function of our Licensing Program is to move inventions developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers  to commercial innovations to benefit society.

The innovations, technologies, software, instruments, new processes, and more that are protected can be directed to a feature that enhances an existing product, provides a new stand-alone product, or launch a start-up.

Patented inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. 

Access our available technologies here to gain insights into the potential transformative tools and solutions we provide. An additional suite of software to address physical processes can be accessed through Scientific Software. 

Licensing Our Intellectual Property

Intellectual property rights may be granted for commercial or internal business use; to determine the IP’s suitability with a test and evaluation agreement, or accessed for work performed under a government contract.

Example licenses include: 

Commercial Patent License Agreement

A grant of rights to make and use Los Alamos inventions claimed in a patent or patent application for a commercial application.

Commercial Copyright License Agreement

A grant of rights to use or distribute Los Alamos copyrights and/or software for a commercial application.

Test & Evaluation Agreement

A limited grant of rights to Los Alamos IP for a short-term test and evaluation period.

Software and License Agreement

Provides rights to Los Alamos copyrights/software for internal research and use purposes.

Government Use

Transfers rights to Los Alamos IP to U.S. Federal agencies and U.S. Federal Government contractors.

Licensing Practices 

  • Financial consideration may include an issue license fee, annual license fee, and/or royalties, as appropriate. We seek an equitable return to the laboratory without impeding the licensee’s ability to successfully commercialize the technology.
  • Performance requirements may be established to ensure the licensee is diligent in their commercialization plan.
  • Non-exclusive licenses are customary, but we do consider exclusive licenses in a specific field of use or with time constraints.  These are considered based on business case and a competitive assessment of potential licensees.  These licenses are generally more expensive and have more stringent performance requirements.
  • Commercial licensees must substantially manufacture their product in the U.S., given the Department of Energy’s intent to provide benefit to the U.S. economy.
  • The U.S. government retains a right to use and continue development of the technology for government purposes.

For more information contact licensing@lanl.gov