About Us
What Should I Do If I Have Invented Something?
How does the invention disclosure process work?
Notify the Office of Technology Commercialization at 713-792-7598 as soon as you believe that you have an invention so that the disclosure process can be formally initiated. Begin the collection of pertinent notes, articles and drawings to document the invention.
A technology analyst will meet with you to discuss the invention, and will work with you through the disclosure and patenting processes.
Finally, complete the Invention Disclosure Report form and return it to the office; the formal assessment process will begin when the form is returned.
What type of information will I need to provide in the Invention Disclosure Report?
- A description of the invention, including your estimate of what makes it an improvement over existing technology.
- A list of persons who may be co-inventors (i.e. those who have contributed to the idea of the invention or its reduction to practice).
- Information relating to public disclosure of the invention.
- A list of all funding sources supporting the research.
- A description of your plans for further developing or pursuing the technology.
- A bibliography and/or reference articles to give the background and context of the invention (also known as the state of the art).
It is particularly important to disclose funding sources and relationships with industry that are pertinent to the invention (particularly the existence of agreements such as materials transfer agreements, sponsored research agreements, clinical study agreements, etc.) as these may have critical bearing on how an invention is patented, marketed and licensed.