Deerfield, IL — In fiscal year 2010, despite a chilly economic climate, university and research institute licensing and startup activity remained strong according to survey data published recently by the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), a nonprofit association of academic technology transfer professionals.

AUTM announces the release of highlights from the AUTM U.S. Licensing Activity Survey: FY2010, a report scheduled for release at the end of the year. The survey summary shares quantitative information about and real-world examples of licensing activities at U.S. universities, hospitals and research institutions.

"The data provide interesting insights as to the state of academic technology transfer," says Shawn Hawkins, AUTM vice president for metrics & surveys.

"The number of startups increased over fiscal year 2009, and 657 new products were introduced to the marketplace," says Robin L. Rasor, CLP, RTTP, AUTM president.

Highlights of the AUTM U.S. Licensing Activity Survey: FY2010 include:

• 657 new commercial products created
• 4,284 licenses executed
• 1,078 options executed
• 398 executed licenses containing equity
• 38,528 active licenses and options
• 651 startup companies formed, 498 of which had their primary place of business in the licensing institution's home state
• 3,657 startups still operating as of the end of FY2010

Patents filed

• 18,712 total U.S. patent applications
• 12,281 new U.S. patent applications
• 1,116 non-U.S. patent applications

Patents issued

• 4,469 issued U.S. patents