1. What is the role of Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and what are its primary functions? The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) operates under Middle East College's Centre for Research and Consultancy (CRC). The TTO serves as a focal point between academia and industry, and its main functions include:

• Raising IP awareness through workshops, seminars, symposiums and exhibitions for students, staff and researchers
• Supporting patent, copyright and trademark filing from prior-art search through to filing
• Protecting and commercializing IP supporting the commercialization of research and innovation outcomes
• Managing licensing and industry partnerships handling licensing agreements and joint collaborations with industry
• Building IP capacity through training such as WIPO Academy distance-learning courses

2. How do I report an invention? Download the MEC Invention Disclosure Form and submit it to the TTO. This is the first step in the commercialisation process (Invention Disclosure → Prior Art Search → Assessment → IP Filing). 3. What happens after I submit an Invention Disclosure Form? The TTO conducts a prior art search using patent databases to check for novelty, followed by an internal assessment. If the invention is viable, the IP filing (patent) process begins. 4. What are the possible routes to commercialisation? Once IP is filed, three commercialisation pathways are available: licensing to an existing industry partner, forming a start-up/spin-off, or an inventor-owned/self-managed route. 5. What support does MEC provide to start-ups or spin-offs? Support includes TTO advisory and mentoring, access to the Incubation Centre for lab work and prototyping, and a revenue-sharing arrangement. 6. How is revenue shared from a commercialised invention? Revenue from commercialisation is shared on a 60:40 split between the inventor(s) and MEC. 7. What forms do I need for a patent application? Depending on language and stage, you may need the Patent Abstract (Arabic/English), Patent Full Specification (Arabic/English), the Pledge Form, and the Employer Note all available for download on this page. 8. Which patent databases can I use to search for prior art or existing patents? Recommended tools include Lens.org, PatentScope (WIPO), Google Patents, USPTO Patent Public Search, Espacenet, and the Patent Inspiration Tool. 9. Can I register IP other than patents (e.g. trademarks or copyrights)? Yes, trademark applications, trademark guidelines, and copyright/literary works application forms are available under the relevant sections of the Technology Transfer Office page. 10. Whom do I contact for help with IP registration or commercialisation? Contact Dr. Asif Hussain Shaik (Technology Transfer Officer), in Al Khwarizmi Building, Office 003B, or email TTO@mec.edu.om.