Hightlights: UC Davis

Highlights: UC Davis

Campus Notes:

After growing by 25% from FY95 to FY96, the number of new inventions reported by UCD investigators declined by 15% in FY97. The number of new patent filings nearly doubled, with the majority involving promising inventions reported in FY96 and FY97.

Licensing activity, as measured by option and license agreements issued, remained steady in the utility area and increased dramatically in the plant area. Nearly half of the new plant licenses were issued for the Diamante strawberry series released during FY97.

The University’s “Top 25” inventions in FY97 included nine from UCD (see page 13). Plant varieties represent one-sixth of the invention portfolio but generate over half of its patent income; in fact, seven of the top ten UCD earners are plants. Income on many of the top inventions fluctuated substantially in FY97, but total royalties remained relatively flat. Most of the increase in income was attributable to several large issue fees received for new utility agreements.

Net legal costs grew by over 20%. Part of this increase was attributable to a $40,000 increase in payments made to Foundation Seed and Plant Materials Services (FPMS). Legal defense expenses also were incurred for two separate litigation actions.

The $172,000 increase in inventor share payments from FY96 to FY97 reflected a $567,000 increase in income from FY95 to FY96. UCD’s share of OTT operating expenses grew because licensing professionals allocated an increased portion of time to market and license UCD inventions.

Overall, net income decreased by 13% to $1.165 million. The campus also was allocated a portion of interest earnings totaling $22,000, bringing the net campus distribution to $1.187 million.