Survey Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About the Licensing Survey?

Get quick answers to help your institution participate, submit key data, and access benchmarking insights.

The survey link is emailed directly to your institution’s designated AUTM survey contact. If you’re unsure who that is or need the link resent, contact surveys@autm.net.
Yes. While we encourage you to complete the full survey, we understand time may be limited. Even partial responses are valuable. If you are unable to answer all questions, please prioritize submitting data on the following key metrics:
  • (Q3.1) Total research expenditures
  • (Q4.1) Invention disclosures
  • (Q4.6 for US, Q4.7 for Canada) New patent applications
  • (Q4.13 for US, Q4.17 for Canada) Issued U.S. patents
  • (Q5.1) Total licenses
  • (Q5.3) Total options
  • (Q6.4) License income
  • (Q6.5) Running royalties
  • (Q8.1) Startups formed
If you have questions about survey terms or how to respond, several resources are available. The Survey Toolkit includes definitions & instructions and case studies to guide your submission. You can also get help in person at the AUTM Membership Booth during the Annual Meeting. If questions remain, please contact surveys@autm.net, and the AUTM team will be happy to assist.
The FY2025 survey includes several updates to improve clarity, consistency, and insight:
  • New case studies that provide clearer guidance for reporting common scenarios
  • Refined questions on amendments to distinguish new technology from other changes
  • Expanded reporting on inter-institutional agreements and express licenses to capture lead roles and streamlined licensing activity
  • New questions on AI implementation to provide a high-level view of AI use in tech transfer offices
  • STATT Database on a new platform, enabling enhanced benchmarking, peer comparisons, and trend analysis
Yes. You may return to the survey and update your responses at any time before the submission deadline.
  • U.S survey deadline: March 27, 2026
  • Canadian survey deadline: May 29, 2026
If you notice that your FY2024 (or earlier) data needs to be updated, we’re happy to help. Please contact surveys@autm.net, and the AUTM team will work with you to review and update prior-year data as needed.
Yes. Participating institutions receive complimentary access to the FY2025 U.S. and Canadian reports, plus one year of access to the STATT Database, which includes more than 30 years of Licensing Survey data for the entire institution.