Universities are important bases for promoting scientific and technological innovation. Based on micro data from the Ministry of Education of China and policy documents at university level, Sharp Regression Discontinuity Design was used to explore the impact of Bayh-Dole-type policies on the patent transformation. By using parametric and non-parametric estimation methods, the local average treatment effect (LATE) of the policy-related indicators on the number and value of contracts was estimated. It was found that, Chinese universities have attached importance to patent transformation generally in recent years, and most of them have introduced relevant incentive policies, with two designs of revenue distribution. The empirical study found that the LATE of universities’ attention on transformation is positive, indicating a significant positive effect of BD-type policies on patent transformation; the effects of revenue distribution mechanisms are inconsistent, with the equity share promoting the transformation results while the royalty share has a negative effect on the contract value, which is different from expectations. By discussing the reasons that shape such differences, it is concluded that the mechanism of BD-type policies is complex. The incentive policies should emphasize on identifying high-value technologies and improving the distribution design, to improve the average quality of university patents.