Division of Research and Graduate Studies
Where do I Start?
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, PATENTS, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, AND COMMERCIALIZATION
BASIC STEPS
Step 1 -- DETERMINE IF YOU HAVE AN INVENTION -- A member of the Faculty, Staff or Student determines that she or he may be developing
or have already developed an INVENTION, DISCOVERY OR INNOVATION that could be patented or commercialized.
Step 2 -- FILL OUT AND SUBMIT AN INVENTION DISCLOSURE FORM – To the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) . Patent Invention Disclosure Form.
Step 3: ORSP REVIEW -- The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs collects preliminary information
for review by the Patent Board or Intellectual Property Committee.
Step 4: PATENT BOARD REVIEW– Reviews information to determine: (1) if the University has provided Extraordinary
Resources or will in the future; (2) if the Invention has strong potential to receive
a patent or to be commercialized; and (3) if the University has an Equity Interest.
Step 5: THE PROVOST DECIDES THE NEXT STEP – Based on the Patent Board’s recommendation, the Provost decides whether or not
to have the University OR Foundation take further action, such as making an application
for a patent or providing support for commercialization.
Step 6: AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY – If the University determines it has an Equity Interest and/or it decides to provide
more financial support on your behalf, then you either negotiate a separate agreement
or assume a Default Agreement.
Step 7-- ONE OF THREE OPTIONS!!!
Option 1 - IF THE UNIVERSITY HAS EQUITY INTEREST AND PROVIDES MORE SUPPORT
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Seek Patent Protection with University Support
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Further Develop, Transfer or Commercialize Invention
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Repay University Equity Interest from Gross Income
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Split Net Profits 50/50 or by other pre-determined Formula
Option 2 - IF THE UNIVERSITY HAS EQUITY INTEREST BUT PROVIDES NO ADDITONAL SUPPORT
Creator/Inventor proceeds on own behalf with obligation to repay University from first
gross income. After repaying, you go forward on your own.
Option 3 – IF THE UNIVERSITY HAS NO EQUITY CLAIM OR FUTURE INTEREST
Creator/Inventor goes forth, maybe takes on partners, accepts all the risks and (hopefully)
prospers!