As usual, the following recommendations represent the DLL's perceptions of the "best practices" implemented by acknowledged academic leaders. Some HBCUs that have already adopted these recommendations are identified.

1. All HBCUs should develop intellectual property policy statements and post them prominently on their Websites.

Some HBCU practitioners <--> Jackson State, Morehouse School of Medicine, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, Tennessee State, Tuskegee, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

2. HBCUs having science and technology components should consider establishing Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs)

Some HBCU practitioners <--> FAMU, Hampton, Jackson State, North Carolina A&T, Tennessee State

3. TTOs should consider providing "prior art" searches for their inventors

Some HBCU practitioners <--> FAMU, Jackson State, North Carolina A&T, Tennessee State

4. TTOs should consider making up-front commitments of generous shares of net royalties to their inventors. Larger shares will encourage them to produce more inventions, hence more royalties for everyone.

Some HBCU practitioners <--> FAMU, North Carolina A&T, Tennessee State

5. TTOs should consider entering contractual relationships with more experienced TTO's to get help in the development of their administrative procedures and, perhaps, to conduct some of their patent search, application, and marketing services.

Some HBCU practitioners <--> Hampton University is working with UVA's Patent Foundation

Note: Only time will tell whether Hampton reaps the anticipated benefits of its relationship with the Patent Foundation. However, this seems like such a good idea that the DLL suggests that other HBCUs give it some consideration.