Timing is everything when it comes to seeking patents.
Faculty and staff who believe they have created an invention should report it as soon as possible to the Office of Technology Development. OTD helps decide when to seek a patent to protect the interests of the University and the inventor, said Francis J. Meyer, associate vice provost for technology development and OTD director. It's important to seek patent protection well before any public disclosure, such as a publication or a presentation, he said. The University owns rights to any invention created by faculty, staff or students in the course of their duties, and any royalties earned are shared with the inventor. Because of attorney and registration fees, the University must be selective in seeking patents, Meyer said.