Clearing Unit for Technology Transfer

A reliable partner for Max Planck founders — secure, fast, and transparent.

The Max Planck Society views technology transfer as a key strategy for transforming scientific discoveries into societal and economic benefits. Spin-offs from our institutes are an essential component of this process. The Clearing Unit acts as an independent, central authority that supports this process, always prioritizing compliance and the avoidance of conflicts of interest.

Our core task is to clarify responsibilities, rights, and economic interests before decisions regarding patents, licenses, or company formations are made.

Through the clearing process in just a few steps

An important milestone is the updated procedural regulations (ClearVfO, June 2026). They promote personal responsibility, reduce bureaucracy, and accelerate the process. The previously 16-page questionnaire is being replaced by a binding declaration of commitment and a two-page, interactive checklist in the form of a digital PDF with yes/no checkboxes. This allows for quick and error-free completion. Prior to this, Max Planck founders have access to comprehensive counseling from the Clearing Unit and Max Planck Innovation GmbH, which clearly explain all aspects of the declaration of commitment. It’s a true win-win: less bureaucracy and faster decisions for Max Planck founders — in return, they assume binding responsibility for ensuring that their spin-off complies with MPG guidelines.

Here’s how it works:

Request the two-page checklist and the declaration of commitment via email and return the completed documents no later than three weeks before the planned founding date.

You can also contact the Clearing Unit directly:

Coordinator Michaela Petri-Lachnit (email: clearingstelle@gv.mpg.de, phone: +49 89 2108 1340).