CTC is offering licenses to use its patented welding tool technology, described in U.S. patent 6,669,075, titled “Tapered Friction Stir Welding Tool.” Three different license agreements are offered, each with specific terms. The licenses currently offered are the Basic Research License, The Commercial License, and the Collaborator License. The main terms of these licenses are described below.

Basic Research License

The basic research license allows the licensee to use the tapered shoulder tool in basic research to characterize its use and the characteristics of materials produced using the tool. Basic research is defined as research that advances scientific knowledge but does not have specific immediate commercial objectives, although it may be in fields of present or potential commercial interest. This license is available for qualified use for a fee of $500 per year, subject to the terms stated in the license agreement.

Commercial License
The standard commercial license allows the licensee use of the tapered shoulder tool for the purpose of applied research and development, production of products or services for sale, or for the production of products or services for “in-house” use. Applied research is defined as research that is directed toward development of methods or procedures for production of a specific commercial product. This license is offered for a flat fee per year, which will be priced on a case-by-case basis.

Collaboration License
A collaboration license is offered for a fee of $500 per year to licensees that fund CTC to develop tapered shoulder tool applications. This license gives the holder the same essential rights and privileges as the Standard Commercial License. A minimum funding level of $30,000 per year will be required to maintain this license type.

Parties interested in obtaining a license should contact Mark Parseghian,
at 814-269-2698, or by e-mail at parseghm@ctc.com.