1. Contributors
Inventorship is an important consideration, with potential legal ramifications. Inventors are those who conceived the invention. In some very rare circumstances, those who intellectually contributed to the process of reduction to practice can be considered inventors.
Contribution % is a required field for WSURF. The percentage cited for each individual will determine the relative distribution of revenue amongst the inventors.
2. Title
Ex. Laser forming method for nano-scale 3D shapes
3. Description of Invention
Please include enough details about the invention. It is often helpful to attach a 1-2 page summary, related technical papers and any other available publications. Key points to stress are both the novel aspects of your invention and how it is distinct from similar technologies.
4. Important Dates
Publication dates determine the future patent rights for your invention. It is very important to include a thorough list of these important dates and, if possible, the associated publication, presentation and/or abstract.
5. Commercial Potential
Do your best here. The act of disclosing your invention indicates that you see value in the invention. The intent of this section is to point the OIPA staff to the field or market that your invention can serve.
If you know of particular interest in one region or country, please indicate so.
By providing a list of companies that may be interested, you can assist us in the assessment of the market and potential licensees.
6. Key Words
Please include common terms for your technology and similar or competing technologies.
Ex. laser drilling, plasma coating, lithography
7. Novelty & Utility
Provide any information you may have of competing technologies or similar research. Other publications, patents, and websites that describe related technologies would be helpful.
8. Financial Support
This is an essential piece of information which must be accurately communicated with the invention disclosure. OIPA is required to report invention disclosures to funding agencies. Improper reporting can impede the patenting process.
9-11. Signatures
It is important for both the inventors and a witness to sign and date your disclosure. This provides a written record of your conception of the invention. WSU also requires signatures from your department chair and dean. Once you have completed the form, you can email the electronic copy to OIPA (along with any relevant documentation), and then circulate a hard copy to gather all the required signatures.
