Stony Brook University has introduced the Commercial Licensing and Express IP terms for Applied Research (CLEAR-IP) program, a new approach aimed at simplifying how industry partners can license intellectual property developed through applied research collaborations with the university.
The CLEAR-IP program offers three licensing options: Non-Exclusive Royalty-Free (NERF), Exclusive, and Traditional. These pathways are designed to accommodate different business needs, such as immediate royalty-free access to project IP, exclusive rights for market introduction, or an option to evaluate research outcomes before making commercialization decisions. The program is available for eligible for-profit company-sponsored research agreements and certain government-funded subcontracts valued under $1 million.
“CLEAR-IP is a game-changer for how Stony Brook partners with industry,” said Dr. Michael Kinch, Chief Innovation Officer at Stony Brook University. “Too often, the journey from idea to impact is delayed by lengthy negotiations that don’t serve the urgency of innovation. With CLEAR-IP, we’re removing friction from the process and giving our partners the clarity, speed, and flexibility they need to bring groundbreaking discoveries to the marketplace.”
The structure of CLEAR-IP sets out predictable terms while ensuring compliance with federal funding rules and university policies. Companies can choose from licenses that support only research activities or those that provide exclusive commercialization rights.
“Commercialization is a critical pathway for translating academic research into real-world solutions,” said Kinch. “With CLEAR-IP, we are signaling to industry that we are serious about partnerships and serious about impact.”
The Office of Sponsored Programs and Intellectual Property Partners within the Office for Research and Innovation will oversee administration of the program. More information can be found on the CLEAR-IP program page.
Stony Brook University is recognized as a public R1 Research institution and serves as the flagship of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It co-manages Brookhaven National Laboratory and operates global research centers in Kenya and Madagascar. The university conducts advanced research in areas including quantum information science, advanced materials, and clean energy. Stony Brook supports startups with over 100,000 square feet of space dedicated to diverse technologies and connects companies with technology resources, expert faculty, specialized facilities, and early-stage financing opportunities. The university also encourages student entrepreneurship by providing direct access to facilities, mentorship, and funding guidance through its innovation programs.
For inquiries regarding CLEAR-IP or related matters, contact Intellectual Property Partners Office for Research and Innovation at ori_ipp@stonybrook.edu or (631) 632-9009.