UW bolsters TechTransfer with RealNetworks, Microsoft veterans

Puget Sound Business Journal

Today On Techflash

Tech Events

February - March 2010

View All Events

Thursday February 11, 2010

8:00 AM PST

Mobile Commerce in a Wireless Data World

Wednesday February 17, 2010

5:30 PM PST

Net-Success-Working Event

Thursday March 4, 2010

5:30 PM PST

WTIA Industry Achievement Awards

Sunday March 21, 2010

12:00 PM PDT

Software User Assistance Conference

Thursday March 25, 2010

7:00 AM PDT

Social Media Conference NW

Mass High Tech

ON THE MOVE

UW bolsters TechTransfer with RealNetworks, Microsoft veterans

John Cook on Thursday, January 29, 2009, 12:57pm PST

Comments

| Permalink

Innovation | On the move | University of Washington

The transformation at the University of Washington's TechTransfer department continues, with news that two experienced technology executives have joined the research and licensing organization. Todd Alberstone, who most recently served as chief privacy officer and associate general counsel at RealNetworks, is joining the department next week in the new role of director of intellectual property management. Meanwhile, former Microsoft manager David Cummings is joining as a licensing officer with a specialty in engineering and computer science.

TechTransfer Vice Provost Linden Rhoads said hiring Alberstone and Cummings proves that the UW is "carrying through on our commitment to make the UW industry friendly." She said that Alberstone is "really well known in the digital rights universe." In his new role, Alberstone will manage the intellectual property discoveries and work with outside counsel to make sure that UW inventions are protected.

"I am still pinching myself that he decided to join," she said. Cummings, she said, brings a wealth of experience in tech licensing, having worked at Microsoft with Jim Allchin and others on licensing transactions.

Since her appointment last June, Rhoads has been quickly transforming the TechTransfer department from its stodgy, slow moving reputation of the past into a more nimble organization that is designed to work directly with the business community.

The hiring of Alberstone and Cummings -- along with startup veteran Janis Machala -- are all steps to make the UW one of the leading centers of technology commercialization, said Rhoads. Story tip via Xconomy.

About John Cook

John Cook is co-founder and executive editor of TechFlash. He has been covering the technology beat for nearly a decade, writing about startups, entrepreneurs and venture capital, most recently serving as a reporter/blogger at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

READ FULL BIOGRAPHY

206-876-5441

@johnhcook

Recent Sponsor Posts

Attention Web Developers

Join the Microsoft WebsiteSpark program and get software, support and visibility – at no upfront cost. You’ll benefit from fast and easy access to current Microsoft development tools, platform technology and server products including Visual Studio, Expression Studio, Silverlight, Windows Web Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 Web.

Seattle-based Adhost is a WebsiteSpark hosting partner providing dedicated servers with free Windows Web Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 licensing for three years to Web developers enrolled in WebsiteSpark. Servers are located in our secure data center with SAS 70 Type II certification, 24x7 technical support and 24x7 client access.

Join today.

MORE INFORMATION

WTIA 15th Annual Industry Achievement Awards

Held on March 4^th at the Showbox SODO, this casual event celebrates and recognizes some of the best emerging and established companies in the Washington Tech Industry. The evening will feature a finalist company technology showcase and a variety of coffee, chocolate, and wine samples from local companies. More than 800 attendees are expected to be present at the celebration. Public online voting for Technology Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships will open February 3^rd on the WTIA site.

We congratulate the 2010 finalists and look forward to unveiling the winners on March 4^th. REGISTER NOW!

Beyond the iPhone

Mobile applications are a cutting-edge way to extend your brand’s reach into the hands of consumers 24/7. Increase loyalty and customer engagement by developing a targeted and effective mobile application. Learn the basics about mobile applications by reading our white paper Beyond the iPhone: Engaging Customers with Mobile Applications.

If you’re considering a mobile initiative for Q1-2010, now is the time to get started. The white paper covers: Venturing into Mobile Application Development, Typical Problems to Avoid, and Developing the Solution. Reaxion is a Seattle-based mobile application development company focused on start-to-finish project management and cost-effective development. Download Beyond the iPhone: Engaging Customers with Mobile Applications.

MORE INFORMATION