Change the world

Each case will be evaluated on its merits (commercial prospects, strength of innovation) and the Innovation Office will continue to support the patent while viable prospects for commercialisation can be balanced with the costs. All Innovation Office projects are subject to regular reviews and we consult with the researchers their plans. Certain points in the patenting process are particularly expensive and these are key decision points for the Innovation Office, eg entry to PCT (12 months from first filing), national phase entry (30 months from first filing), post-national phase review. One important factor in the evaluation is the ability and willingness of the researchers to support the manager in the project which may include continued work on the technology.

If the Innovation Office decides not to continue with the patent, it will be offered to you and your co-researchers for you to take up at your own cost in accordance with Nelson Mandela University Statutes.