When you invent something at Syracuse University—whether a novel device, a software tool, or a creative work—our Technology Transfer process is here to help you protect, develop, and move it toward real-world impact. Below is a clear roadmap to how University inventions get disclosed, evaluated, protected, and commercialized.
Steps in the Technology Transfer Process
| Phase | What You Need to Do / What Happens | Who’s Involved |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Invention Disclosure | When you develop a new invention, you complete and submit an Invention Disclosure Form to the Office of Technology Transfer (OTT). This kicks off evaluation of whether to pursue patent protection or other forms of IP. | Inventor → OTT |
| 2. Evaluation & IP Protection | OTT reviews the disclosure to assess the novelty, commercial potential, patentability (for STEM inventions), or other IP methods (copyright, licensing) depending on your discipline. If protection is pursued, patent application(s) or equivalents are initiated. | OTT, Inventor, Patent Counsel |
| 3. Ownership & Sponsored Research Considerations | If your invention arises in the context of externally sponsored research, you’ll need to disclose any existing “Background IP” and define anticipated “Foreground IP.” Agreements with sponsors are negotiated to ensure clarity around ownership, rights, and licensing. | Inventor, OTT, Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) |
| 4. Licensing & Commercialization | If there’s commercial interest, OTT works to license your technology to existing companies or support startup creation. Revenue or licensing income is shared under University policies (e.g., Royalty Income Distribution). | OTT, Inventor, Industry or Startup Partners |
| 5. Revenue & Royalty Distribution | When technology is licensed or commercialized successfully, income is distributed among inventor(s), department(s), and the University according to established policies. | OTT, Inventors, Administration |
What First-Time Inventors Should Know
- STEM vs. Non-STEM differences: STEM inventions often lead toward patent protection; non-STEM creative works (software, design tools, artistic output) are often protected via copyright or licensing options.
- Faculty Manual & Policy: All inventors follow University policies defining disclosure obligations, ownership rights, and revenue sharing.
- Help Early On: The sooner you involve OTT—especially before publishing, speaking at conferences, or pitching to external partners—the better for preserving IP opportunities.
Support and Key Resources
- OTT Consultation: Get guidance on patentability, market potential, formulating disclosures.
- IP Ownership & Sponsor Agreements: Work with OTT + OSP when proposals involve existing IP or when you anticipate new IP arising from sponsored work.
- Templates & Forms: Use the Institution’s disclosure forms, IP questionnaires for background/foreground IP, and licensing-related documents.
- Educational Programs: Participate in workshops or training offered to help inventors understand patent process, licensing, startup creation.
Why It Matters
- Moving an invention from lab to market amplifies the impact of your research.
- Protecting IP ensures you (and Syracuse University) maintain rights and benefit from commercialization.
- Clear agreements with sponsors help avoid surprises regarding who owns what, and how profits or licensing proceeds are shared.
If you’re ready to submit a disclosure or want to talk through your invention idea, you can reach out to the Office of Technology Transfer—describe what you’ve invented, how it works, and who might use it. They’ll guide you through next steps.