 |
Research@UIC >
Technology Transfer > Inventor
Services >
Getting Started: Introduction
Getting Started: Introduction
How do I know my discovery is an invention?
"Invention" is defined as a new and useful process, machine, article
of manufacture, or composition of matter, or new or useful improvement
upon them.
Why should I protect my discovery?
- Once your work is published as an abstract,
manuscript, report, presentation, poster, or discussion with a third
party in which you reveal information,
it becomes more difficult to protect.
- After publication, your invention
is not patentable outside the U.S. and we have only one year to file
for a U.S. patent. (link to patent page)
- Industrial partnerships can often
result in financial sponsorship of your research, laboratory, students,
etc.
- In addition to wide recognition, inventors share in monetary compensation
for license fees, revenue payments, etc.
- University employees are required
by law, by University policy and by employment contract to disclose
discoveries and copyrightable works. See
the General
Rules, Policy on Patents and Copyrights.
What
is OTM's role?
- Oversee all intellectual property for the university
- Provide intellectual
property education for faculty and researchers
- Promote quality disclosures
from faculty
- Accept, screen and assess disclosures for commercial potential
- Protect commercializable
intellectual property through patents, copyrights and/or trademarks
- Market
and license technologies and monitor licensee performance
- Distribute income
according to University policy
|
