The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences actively exploits its application-oriented research results. To this end, we regularly screen for potentially exploitable inventions, in close consultation with the scientific sections. Potential inventions are evaluated by us with regard to their inventive content and marketability and are registered as IP rights in close consultation with the inventors.

The IP management of the Transfer & Innovation team represents the GFZ in all matters concerning industrial property rights. It is responsible for registering and enforcing IP rights for which employees of the research center are involved in the underlying inventions. In particular, it safeguards the innovative edge resulting from research and development work.

You are employed at the GFZ and have an idea that could possibly be patented?

Feel free to contact us. For initial information, you can also refer to the inventor directive available on the intranet.

The GFZ currently holds about 30 intellectual property rights in the form of granted patents or pending patent applications.

We actively pursue the commercialization of technologies developed at the GFZ. We support our scientists in the development of innovations with market analyses and offer networks to potential partners. In negotiations with licensees, the framework conditions (e.g. license object, exclusivity, license conditions, market price) are defined in coordination with the GFZ legal department. In recent years, the number of GFZ license agreements has increased continuously.

Within the scope of technology transfer, these rights are licensed to existing companies or spin-offs. Please contact us if you are interested in licensing. Some current property rights are listed below: