Stony Brook University Launches CLEAR-IP to Advance Industry Partnerships in Research

Stony Brook University has announced the launch of its new Commercial Licensing and Express IP terms for Applied Research (CLEAR-IP) program, an innovative and flexible approach to licensing intellectual property (IP) developed through applied research partnerships with industry.

CLEAR-IP gives industry partners three distinct licensing pathways to access intellectual property developed through applied research at Stony Brook University: Non-Exclusive Royalty-Free (NERF), Exclusive and Traditional. Each option is designed to meet different business needs, whether a company is looking for immediate, royalty-free access to project IP, seeking sole rights to bring a discovery to market, or preferring to evaluate results before committing to commercialization.

By offering clear choices, CLEAR-IP provides companies with the flexibility to engage in research collaborations on terms that align with their goals. The program applies to 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 Chief Innovation Officer Michael Kinch. “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 CLEAR-IP model establishes predictable, scalable terms while maintaining compliance with federal funding regulations and university policies. By providing options that range from research-only licenses to exclusive commercialization rights, the program meets companies where they are, whether testing an early-stage concept or preparing to launch a market-ready product.

“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 program is administered by the Office of Sponsored Programs and Intellectual Property Partners within the Office for Research and Innovation. For more information, visit the CLEAR-IP website.