The World Intellectual Property Organization or WIPO defines intellectual property as creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.
Our teams work with UArizona inventors to protect various types of IP, enabling all stakeholders – the inventors as well as the university – to benefit from these discoveries.
Protecting inventions through intellectual property increases the opportunity for them to create impact. If an invention is protected, it cannot be legally copied, manufactured, marketed or sold by anyone other than the patent owner or licensee. IP protection provides the opportunity to be unique in the marketplace.
A Hand-Picked Network of Patent Attorneys
Working with a network of hand-picked law firms around the nation, we ensure that UArizona IP is protected and made ready to license. Every technology has its own features and value propositions, and thus carries its own market opportunities. As a result, the conversation you have with a TLA licensing manager about protecting your invention will be unique to you and your situation.
Helpful Terms
Intellectual property takes many forms. While there are others, these are the three most UArizona innovators create.
Patents
Patents protect a product or process that offers a novel solution to a problem.
Copyrights
Copyrights protect literary and artistic works, like written work, photographs, music, video, software, and illustrations.
Trademarks
Trademarks are symbols that help set apart the goods or services of a business.
Get Familiar with the Commercialization Process
The UArizona commercialization process
IP is just one piece of a much larger process. Making commercialization work takes a whole team of people who manage a lot of moving parts. Follow this link for a comprehensive look at how TLA works with inventors and ecosystem members to bring UArizona inventions to the marketplace.
Got questions? We have answers.
Learn more about UArizona’s policies and practices for disclosing and protecting inventions, distributing royalties, managing conflict, and more at the Commercialization FAQ.
We're here to help you understand the details and ensure your success.
Do you have a question? Contact us, we’re here to help.