Why should I disclose an innovation to the Innovation Office?

Under the employment contract you signed upon starting work at the University, you have an obligation to disclose all of your inventions, whether or not patentable, to the Innovation Office for evaluation. The disclosure is made and the accompanying disclosure form is completed during a scheduled appointment with the Innovation Office. The Innovation Office will review your disclosure and determine whether or not the University has ownership in the invention, as described above. The Innovation Office will ensure that the relevant protection is sought. The development, distribution and commercialization of your invention may provide significant public benefit and generate income for research and education at the university. A licensee of your invention may wish to sponsor research in your laboratory. Also, inventors receive a portion of net income generated by their inventions.