A spin-off (or spinoff) is a new organization or entity formed by a split from a larger one, such as a television series based on a pre-existing one, or a new company formed from a university research group or business incubator. In literature, especially in milieu-based popular fictional book series like mysteries, westerns, fantasy, or science fiction, the term sub-series is generally used instead of spin-off, but with essentially the same meaning.

Spin-offs as a descriptive term can also include a dissenting faction of a membership organization, a sect of a cult, or a denomination of a church. In business, a spin-off is essentially the opposite of a merger. In computing, a spin-off from a software project is often called a fork.

A spin-off product is a product deriving elements of design, branding or function from an existing product, but which is itself a new distinct product.

Corporate spinoff

Main: Spin out

The common definition of 'spin out' is when a division of a company or organization becomes an independent business.

Government spinoff

Civilian goods which are the result of military or governmental research are also known as spinoffs.

Media spinoff

Main: Spin-off (media) Media spin off is the process of deriving new radio, video game, film series, book series or television programs from existing ones.

Research spinoff

A research spinoff is a new company based on the findings of a member or by members of a research group at a university.

The term is also used for concepts or products spun off a research project, for example methods or materials pioneered during the Manhattan Project (spinoff: Commercial Nuclear Power) or during the Space Race (spinoffs: Many, Integrated Circuits and hence most modern electronics, freeze-dried foods, satellites, et-cetera, and et al.).

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