Strategy
The CDx is an unincorporated joint venture composed
of four academic research institutions (Queensland University
of Technology, La Trobe University, CSIRO and the Child
Health Research Institute) and commercial end user (Queensland
Medical Laboratory), the largest private pathology group
in Australia.
The major focus for CDx research is on programs that
can lead to patented generic or platform technologies
that are applicable to a wide range of diagnostic applications
and are relevant to both the CDx commercial participants
as well as other national and international companies.
In order to maximise the exploitation of the CDx platform
Intellectual Property (IP), the CDx is mindful that
there may be other significant commercial opportunities
for non-human diagnostics as well as non-diagnostic
applications.
Process
As a mechanism to assist in the timely exploitation
of CDx IP, Diatech Pty Ltd was established at the commencement
of the CDx to hold all IP beneficially for all CDx participants
and to enter into contracts for the utilisation of this
IP on their behalf, as directed by the CDx Board of
Management.
Commecialisation of CDx IP may be achieved through
patent assignment, exclusive or nonexclusive licences
or through the formation of an appropriate spin-off
company. Since the inception of the CDx, the commercialisation
strategy has been refined and rearticulated continually
to keep pace with the changing circumstances found within
the CDx as it matures. This is evidenced by the increasingly
important role that Diatech has played over time in
the commercialisation of CDx IP and in its ability to
act as an independent arbiter for the commercialisation
of selected CDx IP for the undisputed benefit of all
participants. This activity often is targeted at companies
outside the CDx and Diatech is able to protect and value
add selected IP and support the commercialisation activities
from funds generated from previous national and international
deals.
CDx commercial and end-user participants continue to
provide significant input into commercialisation activities
with their proven ability to utilise and commercialise
CDx IP in their own right, or by employing their extensive
network of worldwide high-level company, distributor
and collaborator contacts and associations.
Incentives
It is recognised that scientific creativity can be fostered
and enhanced in an environment where a measurable material
benefit flows to those individuals involved in the creative
effort. In recognition of this, the CDx Board of Management
resolved to: "…….allocate 15% of
net income from licensing CDx IP to the particular joint
venturers for distribution to the inventors and others
involved in the invention. The actual distribution would
be at the discretion of the joint venturers". |
