The technology transfer office (TTO), a business unit of the Ball State Innovation Corporation (BSIC), is responsible for managing intellectual property (IP) for the university. Whenever a faculty member, student, staff member, or a visitor employed by Ball State, participating in Ball State programs or using Ball State funds, resources or facilities creates a work of intellectual property, the TTO facilitates the management of the IP including identifying the inventors/creators, determining IP ownership, and establishing royalty distribution.

The TTO handles all the patents, copyrights, trademarks, and tangible research property issues, including:

• Solicit and analyze invention disclosures from faculty, students, and staff
• Analyze commercialization feasibility of university intellectual property and marketing strategies
• License "tangible research property" for commercial use
• License patents and copyrights for commercial use
• Facilitate faculty and technology start-ups
• Advise faculty on IP issues
• Foster inventor participation in the technology transfer process
• Educate campus researchers about the technology transfer process at Ball State.

The mission of the Ball State Innovation Corporation (BSIC) is to foster and facilitate the process of innovation to enhance the regional economy. This mission encompasses the technology transfer and commercialization of inventions and other innovations derived from research within the University. Opportunities under this mission must offer the potenetial for the creation of new, high value jobs and/or the delivery of other positive economic or social benefits for the University and/or regional economy. BSIC embodies a public-private partnership between the University, state and local governments, regional economic development agencies, and business communities.

Information regarding intellectual property, technology transfer, and commercialization at Ball State University can be directed to: