Protecting Intellectual Property

Disclose your Invention

The Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) offers two ways to disclose your invention: submit it electronically through the Invention Disclosure – Inventor Portal using your Georgetown credentials or download the Invention Form, fill it out, and send it via email: gudocket@georgetown.edu.

Please read the information below before submitting your invention.

If you believe that you have an invention, it is critical that you disclose the invention to the OTC as soon as possible. Sometimes, an inventor can lose the right to a patent by failing to take the necessary measures to prevent the invention from entering the public domain.
Therefore, before you present your data at a meeting, submit a manuscript, or address a seminar or symposium, fill out an invention disclosure form, obtain the appropriate signatures, and return it to the OTC.
We highly encourage you to submit your disclosure online for easier input, editing, and review. OTC will review and process your invention disclosure per its normal procedures – but this format should allow for faster entry into our process.
We hope this will be the first step in granting access to the evaluation of your invention and to possible subsequent patent protection and prosecution proceedings.

Invention Disclosure – Inventor Portal

Download the Invention Form

FAQ

Confidential Information Acknowledgement

When disclosing your invention, it’s crucial for inventors to be aware of the confidential nature of the information involved. The confidential information may encompass unpublished patent applications and other proprietary materials. By engaging in the disclosure process, you commit to maintaining the confidentiality of such information and refraining from disclosing it without the explicit permission of the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC). Should you have any uncertainties about the confidential status of specific information, please contact OTC.

Intellectual Property Basics

What is Intellectual Property?

“Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names, and images used in commerce.”
(World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO)

In the realm of legal protection, intellectual property (IP) is safeguarded through mechanisms such as patents, copyright, and trademarks. These legal safeguards empower individuals to gain acknowledgment and financial rewards for their inventions and creative endeavors. The system of intellectual property (IP) strives to achieve a harmonious equilibrium between the needs of innovators and the broader public interest, with the ultimate goal of nurturing an environment conducive to the growth of creativity and innovation.

Georgetown University’s Guidelines to Inventions

As a valued faculty member and aspiring inventor, navigating the Innvention Disclosure Form (IDF) evaluation process is crucial. Georgetown University’s Guidelines to Inventions is a comprehensive resource outlining your responsibilities and shedding light on the IDF evaluation process. It is important to note that the information provided is intended as guidance and should not be the sole basis for your decision to submit an IDF. Once you have taken that important step, one of our dedicated Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) licensing managers will collaborate with you to assess your submission. To thoroughly understand Georgetown University’s policy on intellectual property, we encourage you to refer to the Georgetown University Faculty Handbook and review the Intellectual Property Policy. Please be sure to affirmatively indicate your understanding of these guidelines on your completed IDF. We look forward to fostering innovation and supporting your inventive endeavors at Georgetown University.

Guidelines to Inventions

Faculty Handbook

IP Policy

IP Ownership

Intellectual Property Law

“Intellectual Property law deals with laws to protect and enforce rights of the creators and owners of inventions, writing, music, designs, and other works, known as the “intellectual property. There are several areas of intellectual property, including copyright, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets.”
(Georgetown Law, Intellectual Property Law)

The Bayh-Dole Act

The Bayh–Dole Act or Patent and Trademark Law Amendments Act (Pub. L. 96-517, December 12, 1980) revolutionized the landscape of technology transfer in the United States. This federal law aimed to streamline the ownership, patenting, and commercialization of inventions arising from federally funded research programs.
The act established a uniform patent policy, granting universities and organizations the right to own, patent, and commercialize these inventions. It empowered institutions like Georgetown University, fostering active participation in technology transfer.
This shift expedited commercialization, spurring new industries. In 2018, key revisions eliminated the 60-day limit for government ownership claims, mandated contractors to secure employees’ rights, extended notice periods for patent prosecution discontinuation, and set a deadline for converting provisional patent applications. Effective May 14, 2018, these amendments aimed to enhance the Bayh-Dole Act’s implementation, impacting new and potentially existing funding agreements.

For insights into how Georgetown University ensures Bayh-Dole Act compliance, consult the Faculty Handbook and review the Intellectual Property Policy.

Intellectual Property Curriculum

The National Academy of Inventors, in collaboration with the Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property, is excited to introduce a valuable opportunity for budding inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs. This initiative offers an Intellectual Property (IP) course, providing essential insights into America’s intellectual property protection system. The course, designed by the Michelson Institute, equips participants with crucial knowledge, laying the groundwork for a successful career in innovation. The online IP course comprises video modules and lessons, is self-paced, and quizzes. Upon completion, individuals can take a 40-question final exam, and scoring 30 correct answers earns them an Innovation Development Certificate from the National Academy of Inventors. Notably, the curriculum is free, with no associated fees or charges.