Principles of Commercialisation

The objective of these principles is to maximise opportunities and benefits to the Australian red meat industry.

To achieve this, MLA will implement a structured commercialisation framework and allocate sufficient resources according to the following principles:

• MLA will ensure that it has appropriate resources (qualified and experienced staff; external expertise; funding) and systems in place to protect and manage intellectual property rights on behalf of the red meat industry.
  
  
• In each case, establish and maintain ownership of intellectual property allowing MLA to exercise appropriate influence to achieve maximum industry benefit from the exploitation of intellectual property.
  
  
• MLA will endeavour to accelerate the adoption of R&D outcomes by selecting the most appropriate commercialisation pathway and by ensuring that an effective commercialisation supply chain is in place to service the needs of the red meat industry.
  
  
• MLA will grant periods of exclusivity only where required to reflect private commercial investment and where there are unnecessary restrictions imposed which will limit adoption and industry benefit in the longer term.
  
  
• MLA will encourage private commercial investment and involvement in the commercialisation processes wherever appropriate.
  
  
• MLA will generate an appropriate commercial return on exploitation of intellectual property (via licensing, royalties, divestment, equity vehicles and other commercial arrangements) while ensuring industry benefits and advantages are maintained.
  
  
• Appropriate exit strategies will be determined as soon as MLA’s ongoing involvement is no longer desirable or required to maintain industry benefit.
  
  
• Systems will be implemented to ensure due diligence and risk management principles are applied to all commercialisation activities undertaken by MLA.
  
  
• Consideration will be given to commercialisation of industry-funded intellectual property outside of Australia when:
  –    it can be clearly demonstrated that no disadvantage to the Australian
        red meat industry will arise; and
  –    it will enhance the industry’s competitive position; and/or
  –    it will reinforce the reputation of the red meat industry’s systems; and/or
  –    it is necessary to underpin the capability and viability of the commercialiser.
  
  
• Income generated from commercialisation will be expended on projects and activities that are:
  –    consistent with the objects of MLA as defined by our Constitution;
  –    in keeping with approved delegations in this respect; and
  –    directed towards achieving specific benefit for the red meat industry.
  
  
• Outcomes of commercialisation strategies will be measured and regularly reported to the MLA Board, government, and stakeholders.