The Intellectual Property Office manages and promotes software developed at the University. Submit a Software Disclosure Form to initiate the process. Any pubic disclosure, such as a publication, presentation, thesis and thesis defense, has an impact on patenting. By keeping the IPO well informed of upcoming public disclosures, IPO can formulate an appropriate patent strategy that minimally impacts publications and presentations. These can be found on GURU, Penn State's General University Reference Utility.
Copies are available from IPO upon request.
In January 1999, the University appointed a task force to review the existing intellectual property policies. The task force was asked to consider current and emerging issues and strategies for intellectual property administration, to benchmark with other leading universities, and to provide recommendations on a wide range of related issues. For more information, see the Intercom story . You can find good general information on patents , copyrights , and trademarks on the websites of the US Patent and Trademark Office and the US Copyright Office. Contact the Intellectual Property Office.