How do I obtain an invention disclosure form?

Click here to obtain the invention disclosure form.

How does this Invention Disclosure Form get me research money?

The submission of an Invention Disclosure Form is related to commercialization of the technology, not to directly securing additional research funding. However, it may lead to research money for your laboratory in multiple ways.  One way is through the execution of a license agreement. WFUHS shares a portion of revenue from licensed inventions with both in individual inventor and with the inventor’s department. The inventor can always divert their funds to their laboratory and may be able to request that their department do the same.  Another way is through the execution of a Sponsored Research Agreement with a corporate sponsor.  Sometimes a company wishes to both license the invention and also sponsor additional research in the laboratory.

I submitted an Invention Disclosure Form two months ago; when does my patent issue?

An Invention Disclosure Form is not a patent application. It is a disclosure of your invention to OTAM.  OTAM may decide to file a patent application on the technology, but submission of an Invention Disclosure Form is not a patent application.  After submission of your Invention Disclosure form to OTAM a case manager who will keep you informed of all major decisions regarding your file.  If OTAM decides to file a patent application on your invention, you will hear from OTAM and the patent attorney frequently. Being involved in a patent application can be time consuming for the inventor. Currently, patent applications (if successful) can take 3-5 years to be issued by the United States Patent & Trademark Office.