The Reporter: June 1996, Vol.7, No.3
Innovation in Research
Columbia Innovation Enterprise

Faculty researchers are now only a "cyber step" away from information about Columbia Innovation Enterprise (CIE), the University's technology transfer office. CIE has established a home page that carries information about the office's history and mission, its annual report, a complete staff list with phone numbers and e-mail addresses, and other information including related links.

Also on the CIE web site is a link to the Office of New Media Development (ONM), which is new to CIE. ONM develops, maintains, and manages institutional relationships with industry relating to new media markets and opportunities for the benefit of Columbia University and its faculty. New media is a term inclusive of all forms of electronic publishing, such as those using Internet, World Wide Web, and CD-ROM technologies.

ONM is able to facilitate Columbia faculty approaches and interactions with publishing companies, media companies, and online services and developers interested in cultivating new media products. ONM acts as an internal advisory "firm" providing new media development advice to Columbia faculty and researchers and, when appropriate, acts as a development partner on selected new media projects.

To access the CIE home page (http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cie/) start at either the CPMCnet home page and select Faculty & Research and then Columbia Innovation Enterprise or enter Columbia University's home page (http://www.columbia.edu/) and locate CIE through "Index" if it is not listed on Columbia's home page.

A Guide on Patents

For researchers and inventors interested in obtaining patents, CIE is offering a booklet published by the Association of University Technology Managers. The booklet, titled "An Inventor's Guide to Patents and Patenting," is written by Lisa von Bargen Mueller, a Chicago-based patent attorney who specializes in biotechnology, chemistry, and plants. Ms. Mueller gives a comprehensive overview of U.S. patent rules followed by a simple explanation on how to organize and prepare for the patenting process.

The guide can be obtained through the CIE office at the Morningside campus by calling 854-8444 or requesting a copy through e-mail (enj1@columbia.edu).