UT researchers: Could you be giving away your life's work?

In the course of your research, you may have discovered a potentially valuable invention. Presenting, publishing, or speaking about your invention without the proper protection can endanger your intellectual property rights. UT Austin's Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) can help you.

1. Know when to file an invention disclosure

When you've made a potentially patentable invention
Before you present or publish your disclover (includes poster sessions and abstracts)
Before you talk about the invention to industry (or anyone outside UT) without a nondisclosure agreement

2. File an invention disclosure with OTC

Go to the "Forms for Inventors" section of the OTC website.
Complete the appropriate invention disclosure (Physical, Life, or Software), and return it to disclosure@ otc.utexas.edu.

3. Get help with IP protection and marketing from OTC

Patenting the invention
A business team to help license your invention or form a startup
Contacts with VCs, angels, experienced entrepreneurs, large companies, foundations, and others
End-to-end management of the licensing and royalty collection process

If you have any questions, please contact us and we'll help you through the process.