Page 17 - Innovator Handbook

Why should I submit an intellectual property disclosure?
Disclosing your innovation is vital to the protection of a valuable intellectual asset. With proper safeguarding, your innovation can
be developed to its fullest capacity. If this step is not taken, it is unlikely that the innovation will be commercialized and be able to provide its maximum benefit to society. In addition to initializing commercialization, disclosure is required for innovations arising from federal or private-sponsor funding.
How do I know if my innovation is eligible for legal protection?
You are encouraged to submit a disclosure for all innovations you feel may solve a significant problem or have significant value. If you are unsure if your innovation is protectable, contact OTD to discuss it in more detail.
When should I complete an intellectual property disclosure?
Contact OTD when you believe you have an innovation with commercial potential, and well before publicly disclosing the details
of the innovation or publishing a manuscript. Once an innovation has been disclosed through a publication, presentation, poster, or other discussion with non-FAU participants, the possibility of legal protection may be significantly limited. OTD recognizes that publishing and other public disclosures are important to researchers, and when addressed at an early stage intellectual property can be protected while these activities remain unhindered.
Should I disclose research tools?
Typically research tools are materials such as antibodies, vectors, plasmids, cell lines, mice, and other materials used as “tools” in the research process. Research tools do not necessarily require legal protection in order to be licensed to commercial entities. However, some research tools may need to be patented in order for a company to be willing to invest in commercial development. If you have research tools that you believe to be valuable, OTD will work with you to develop an appropriate protection and commercialization strategy.
How do I submit an intellectual property disclosure?
Download and complete either an invention disclosure form or a works disclosure form and email it to techdevelop@fau.edu. If you have additional questions, contact OTD.
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