Submit your innovative solution as soon as possible, ideally BEFORE any type of public disclosure. Patents filed before public disclosure have a much stronger position. Public disclosure immediately prevents you…
What constitutes a public disclosure?
Any non-confidential disclosure, which includes many routine academic activities, including: Scientific papers (often available online ahead of print) Catalogued theses Presentations Conference abstracts Open thesis defenses Funded grant applications Seminars…
What if I’ve already published a paper or delivered a presentation about my invention?
Once you publish, present or otherwise publicly disclose your invention, you have one year from your first disclosure date to file a U.S. patent application. After that year has passed,…
How do I start the disclosure/patent process?
First, tell us about your invention by submitting your Innovation Disclosure. If you have questions about submitting your disclosure, contact Brian Frushour, Intellectual Property Manager by email at [email protected] or phone 608-960-9871….
What do I do if WARF decides not to pursue my invention?
You are free to move forward independently with your invention, depending on any other obligations or contracts you have. If we do decide not to pursue, we’ll share our reasons….
What if a collaborator from another institution or company has contributed to my invention?
These inventions can still be disclosed to WARF. We have interinstitutional agreements with many universities, research institutes and organizations. If accepted, WARF will work with the other institutions to file…
Does WARF file foreign patents?
We file foreign patents based on: Availability of foreign patent rights Level of licensing interest Market size and potential Whether or not you have publicly disclosed your invention Just remember:…
Where can I learn more about patents and intellectual property?
Visit the uspto.gov or contact one of our intellectual property experts….
What if I receive a request for materials that are part of my invention?
Please forward the request to [email protected]….
What if I want to start a company with my discovery?
If you have the desire, WARF is here to support you through the process of starting a company. We have a long history of helping startups succeed and we offer…