When researchers, Dr. Susan Leat and Dr. Elizabeth Irving from the School of Optometry & Vision Science at the University of Waterloo, turned their attention to exploring the commercial prospects of their research associated with the generation of copyright intellectual property (IP) in the Waterloo Differential Acuity Test (WatDAT), they approached the Waterloo Commercialization Office (WatCo) for support. The WatDAT test enables early detection of vision disorders in toddlers as young as 18 months, a breakthrough that can significantly improve learning and development outcomes.
“We worked with the researchers to secure copyright registration in Canada and the United States for their intellectual property,” explains Eric Luvisotto, Technology Transfer Manager at WatCo. “We also negotiated the use of visual elements from a leading supplier of vision tests, for comparative use in beta testing of the WatDAT across multiple independent third parties. With such validation data in hand, our goal will be to negotiate a global distribution licensing deal.”
Solving IP and copyright challenges
One of the first hurdles was managing the copyright IP associated with the test’s digital format.
First, WatCo audited and clarified copyright ownership of the test materials and associated visual elements, including the distinctive iconography used in the game-like interface. Once the ownership rights were sorted out, United States and Canadian copyright registrations for the visual elements were filed. To facilitate the necessary beta testing evaluation effort, an agreement with a United States partner was negotiated to secure licensed rights to integrate one of their proprietary visual elements into the WatDAT testing protocol. These steps led to a “clean” copyright package that is a necessary precursor to enabling any commercial transaction.
Facilitating prototype testing
To support beta testing of WatDAT in Canada, the United States, and the U.K., WatCo designed a soft-touch license agreement that balanced legal rigour with easy-to-understand terms, ensuring researchers and clinicians could adopt the test without the need for extensive cycles of internal legal review.
The agreement included collaborative principles that allowed testing partners to use WatDAT in real-world clinical settings, whether in its printed format for traditional exam rooms or its digital version, and encouraged feedback to refine the tool without imposing unnecessary administrative burdens. This approach helped foster trust and engagement among participants, some of whom may become early commercial adopters moving forward.
The result? A smooth rollout across multiple countries, with participants mostly reporting that children were responsively engaged by the gamification design elements within the WatDAT test.
Commercial mobilization
Commercialization typically follows a structured path:
- Establish a legally sound IP pedigree.
- De-risk the technology through prototype trials.
- Build early relationships with commercial partners.
WatCo is very experienced with this methodical process and has positioned WatDAT to secure a commercial transaction with a global vision test distributor under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding agreement.
Explore commercialization support for your research
Whether you're developing a decision support tool, technology or process, WatCo can help you package your innovation for market entry and navigate the legalities associated with IP protection, as well as develop appropriate licensing\startup\partnership strategies and agreements.
Ready to explore commercialization? Connect with WatCo early in your project to learn how they can support your journey from idea to impact.