Skip to main content

Disclose an Invention

A man in a white lab coat looking at a pair of computer monitors.

An invention disclosure reports an invention or technology created by any employee of the university – including faculty members, staff members, and student employees – during the course and scope of their employment. Under rare circumstances, others utilizing university resources are also required to submit invention disclosures. If you have any questions, please contact us. 

What do I need to know before disclosing?

Disclosing an invention is straightforward and the form itself provides detailed instructions to make it as easy as possible. To get you started on your disclosure, we've provided you with a complete outline explaining the process and the information you'll need. 

Inventions may include: 

  • Processes
  • Products
  • Software
  • Apparatus
  • Materials
  • Composition of matter
  • Living organisms
  • Improvements to existing technology

 

Disclose via the Inventor Portal

Filling out your disclosure online allows for quick processing. You'll need your NetID, and if you are logging in from outside the U of A network, you'll require a VPN connection.

Take me to the portal

Use the MS Word Disclosure Form

Would you rather fill out your Disclosure Form using a Word document? Download this form and work with your Licensing Manager to get it completed and submitted. 

Download the form

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, faculty, staff or students working on funded research or in their roles as employees of the university – have an obligation to report new inventions. The invention disclosure process serves as the basis for communication with TLA about the invention. Often, you will be asked to complete this process even when requesting confirmation of individual ownership of IP.

Learn about the invention disclosure process

You should feel free to contact TLA for a conversation anytime, whether or not you believe you have an invention. Generally, the earlier the better. TLA Licensing Managers are well-versed in both specific science areas and the identification of potential IP resulting from research. In order to fully protect it, a disclosure should be made before publication using the Invention Disclosure Form. Contact your Licensing Manager or anyone at TLA if you have questions or need help.

Contact the TLA licensing manager in your field – we're happy to help you through the process.