Legal Services for University Startups (Start-Ups) and Sponsored Research Agreements
Photo-illustration of University Start-up Tech Transfer Man

Photo Illustration: Georgia BioBusiness Center

Representative Engagements


Practice Description

The law firm of Rothman & Stulberg, LLP has extensive experience in university technology transfer, representing technology startup companies spun out of university research laboratories, individual scientist / entrepreneurs, businesses licensing university patents and companies entering into sponsored research agreements. We understand the challenges faced in the technology transfer process, and are committed to furthering the important work of bringing technological innovations from the university or research institute laboratory to the marketplace, through commercial licenses and formation of startup companies.

Our extensive experience with all of the relevant constituencies – the faculty / entrepreneur, the venture capital firm, the technology transfer professional and the corporate research sponsors – enables us to help bridge the gap between their different cultures to achieve a mutually satisfactory and beneficial deal. We understand the difference between academic and commercial environments, and can guide the academic entrepreneur through unfamiliar territory.

A successful transition of inventions from the laboratory bench to commercially viable products requires a confluence of innovation, vision, teamwork, financing and much effort. Our breadth of expertise in venture capital and angel financing, patent licensing, joint ventures, entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, public offerings and general business law enables us to address the entire life cycle of the university-based startup. In addition to providing top notch legal services, we can provide feedback on business plans and an extensive network of investors and other useful contacts.

Our newsletter, Tech Transfer Update, is circulated to a list of approximately 3,000 tech transfer professionals, informing them of current legal developments of interest to them. We are active members of the Association of University Technology Managers, and are contributors to its journal.

University Startup Tech Transfer Links