Operations Overview
PHLburg's core business is to search for
technologies and products that possess substantial novel technical properties
and satisfy a customer’s problem
statement needs. The market for
these unique technology solutions in the West exists because of the
technologies’ uniqueness, superiority to existing technologies, or their
economics – "price points." The exporting of technology is subject to
“Export Control Regulations”. PHLburg complies with these regulations during
each phase of its work.
First Level of Evaluation
Once a technology is identified, it is subjected
to a first level of evaluation. This
test is an informal study by PHLburg's staff in
Russia
and the
U.S.
to determine the
technology's potential to satisfy a customer’s problem statement, its
international patent status, and its “clearance for export.”
Second Level of Evaluation
If an identified technology is of interest to a
customer, PHLburg’s staff in
Russia
and in the
U.S.
completes an additional
evaluation. Significant scientific
information is accumulated, evaluated and tested. PHLburg’s IP attorney in
Russia
renders an opinion on
the technology’s international patent, or its potential to obtain such
patent. An opinion is also obtained from
a federally licensed agency for permission to export information and samples. The customer’s questions are answered and
samples may be obtained.
Ongoing Evaluation and Monitoring
Project Managers, both in
Russia
and in the
U.S.
, monitor, evaluate, and
report monthly on PHLburg's technology commercialization projects to ensure
that they are on track, and that the ongoing scientific and legal
considerations remain as previously indicated. We report monthly (Status
Reports) to our Customers. Alternative and additional scientific and commercial
applications of the technology are discussed.
The status of requests to the authors of the technology are reviewed
weekly.
Gestation Period
Customarily, it takes six months (sometimes 8
months) for PHLburg to identify, complete the first round of evaluations, and
report on technology specified by a Western business. If the technology is subject to export
control regulations, this period could be extended 2-3 months. Up to six
additional months may be required to customize, further test, and evaluate the
identified technology prior to commercialization. PHLburg assists its customers with each step
in the process and helps facilitate all contractual matters.
When PHLburg represents
a scientist, from the moment it identifies a technology to be added to its
portfolio, until the time the technology is licensed and an advance royalty
check is received, on average, approximately eighteen months will pass.
PHLburg is constantly evaluating its systems
and procedures to reduce the average incubation period.