Patent and copyright consultancy services

Tender description

The University of Nottingham wishes to create a framework agreement for the provision of Patent and Trademark Related Services covering all of the following: — Drafting, filing and prosecution of patent applications on the University’s behalf, — Provision of timely reminders of patent deadlines, — Arrangements for renewals, — Instruction of overseas attorneys, — Intellectual property monitoring and searching, — Spin-outs, — Trade mark applications, — Licensing Matters. Which must be undertaken in house by the chosen providers, and must cover the following subjects/disciplines: — Pharmacy, — Chemistry, — Biochemistry, — Biomedical sciences, — Tissue engineering and stem cells, — Nanotechnology, — Electrical engineering, — Mechanical engineering, — Engineering, — Built Environment, — Veterinary medicine, — Computer science and IT. Suppliers must meet the criteria above deemed as Critical and further criteria within the tender document, in order to be considered for inclusion within the Framework. The University of Nottingham wishes to create a framework agreement for the provision of Patent and Trademark Related Services covering all of the following: — Drafting, filing and prosecution of patent applications on the University’s behalf. — Provision of timely reminders of patent deadlines. — Arrangements for renewals. — Instruction of overseas attorneys. — Intellectual property monitoring and searching. — Spin-outs. — Trade mark applications. — Licensing Matters. Which must be undertaken in house by the chosen providers, and must cover the following subjects/disciplines: — Pharmacy, — Chemistry, — Biochemistry, — Biomedical sciences, — Tissue engineering and stem cells, — Nanotechnology, — Electrical engineering, — Mechanical engineering, — Engineering, — Built Environment, — Veterinary medicine, — Computer science and IT. Suppliers must meet the criteria above deemed as Critical and further criteria within the tender document, in order to be considered for inclusion within the Framework. The University will determine the number of Service Providers to be appointed to provide patent and trade mark-related services up to a maximum of 3 providers. The key objectives of the University are to: — ensure the appropriate evaluation and protection of intellectual property generated within the University research groups, — develop an income generating portfolio of spin out and licensing activities, — use the management of IP to leverage additional research awards. The group deals with approximately 100 to 150 disclosures each year and files approximately 50 patent applications a year. The total patent portfolio consists of approximately 200 patent families many of which are licensed. Primary to the University’s considerations will be the Service Provider’s ability to deliver services cost effectively and within realistically achievable timeframes. Capacity to meet urgent turnaround requirements and Continuity of service delivery during staff absence or any transitional phase resulting from a change in personnel should be demonstrable. Face to face meetings and discussions between the University’s Inventors and the Service Providers is integral to the provision of the Services and Service Providers must be prepared to visit the University on request, at their own expense, as part of the process for each patent/trademark application. The University welcomes Added Value with respect to the provision of core Services which form the subject of this Tender.