What is a Disclosure?
A disclosure is a confidential record that details an innovation including essential information such as an enabling description of the innovation, identification of any creators, sources of research funding, potential market interest, and any prior public disclosures.
Why Disclose?
Disclosing intellectual property is essential to protecting innovations, enabling commercialization, and ensuring compliance with federal requirements.
Federal Funding
Accurate reporting of federal research funding is a critical component of the disclosure process. Innovations developed with federal funding are subject to specific reporting and compliance requirements set by the sponsoring federal agency. Under the Bayh-Dole Act, institutions can retain ownership of federally funded inventions only if they are properly disclosed, enabling commercialization and ensuring discoveries can move from the lab to the marketplace.
Public Disclosures
Public disclosures prior to filing a patent application can significantly affect patentability and may limit or eliminate IP rights in certain jurisdictions. Disclosure of an innovation, or consultation with TCO, is encouraged before public communication whenever possible. Public disclosures may include publications, presentations, posters, abstracts, theses, public demonstrations, online postings, etc.
After Submission
After submission, the disclosure undergoes an internal review to assess IP and commercialization considerations. As part of this process, TCO may request additional information or schedule a meeting to discuss the innovation in greater detail.
Confirmation is provided upon receipt of the disclosure, along with the assigned technology identification number.
After a disclosure is submitted and accepted, notification of any subsequent developments or publications related to the innovation is requested.
Start a Disclosure
Access our Disclosure Form using your network name and password. Please answer all fields thoroughly and completely. You may save and review your progress before submitting.