Does anyone utilize Research Corporation Technologies (RCT) for patenting?
If so, has your institution received the $1,000 or $3,000 option payment
under their Benchmark Program?  Next question...how did your institution handle
categorizing the funds.  That is, was it considered "incentive funds" and fall
under the institutional policy for that; was it considered patenting costs
and subject to your patent policy split; deposited directly into a research
account under the investigator's name; given to the department chairman to be
utilized at his/her discretion...hopefully returned to the PI for use on the
project; treated as research funds and subject to IDC....or whatever!!  I
realize RCT insinuates the option payment is for the PI as "incentive" but
this issue has posed a problem at our institution.  Everyone seems to have
a different opinion.

As an aside, if anyone is considering using RCT, I recommend them.  Although
we have just started utilizing their services, they appear to be a well
organized company providing interest and services for your faculty.

Rebecca Bacon
Eastern Virginia Medical School
xxxxxx@PICARD.EVMS.EDU