UC Davis

Campus Notes:

  The University’s “Top 25” inventions in FY96 included 11 from UCD (see p.13). Seven of these top-earners are plant varieties. Plants represent about one-sixth of the UCD invention portfolio, but over half of its patent income. Plant income remained flat from FY95 to FY96 while income on utility inventions increased by 28% to over $2.5 million.

  The number of disclosures increased by 25% from FY95 to FY96. This was not reflected in initial patent filings, which actually decreased. It should be noted that the large number of secondary filings in FY95 were motivated by patent law changes related to GATT. Utility licensing activity remained relatively steady, with 10 new options and licenses completed, while plant licensing acitivity declined due to changing strategies for licensing plant varieties.

  The increase in net legal expenses during FY96 was largely attributable to a $146,000 increase in payments made to Foundation Seed and Plant Materials Services (FPMS). This resulted from a payment timing change as well as an increase in FPMS charges.

  The $274,000 increase in inventor share payments from FY95 to FY96 reflected a $738,000 increase in income from FY94 to FY95. The State share increased minimally, and OTT operating expenses remained stable.

  Overall, financial results yielded a 9% ($114,000) increase in UCD net income from FY95 to FY96.

PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY