Disclosing Inventions and Works
Every invention and University-supported work goes through the same path, from the moment it is created to the ownership decision. Follow the steps below.
Based on UWF Intellectual Property Policy SR-02.03-8/26, Section D.
Disclosure Before You Share
Talks, posters, papers or conversations outside UWF without a confidentiality agreement count as public disclosure.
This starts a one-year limit to file a U.S. patent. Most other countries remove patent rights immediately.
Decision clock
120 days for an invention
60 days for work
RAE normally informs the creator within this time, counted from receipt of a complete disclosure.
Who must disclose
- Faculty, staff, and administrators (full-time or part-time)
- Appointees, fellows, and volunteers
- Students paid by or through UWF
- Anyone working under University auspices
Something new is developed: an invention, or a work made with University Support, including instructional material.
Policy C.1 and D.2.
Fill in the Invention Disclosure Form or the Work Disclosure Form and send it to RAE promptly.
Policy D.2.a, Appendices.
The creator's department chair acknowledges the disclosure and confirms the share of University support.
Policy D.2.a.
No: Revise and Resubmit
If the disclosure is premature or incomplete, the creator adds missing information and returns to Step 2.
Yes: More to Review
The decision clock starts from the receipt of the complete disclosure.
Policy D.2.b.
RAE weighs the creator's and the University's stakes, plus technical and market value. Outside evaluators may be brought in.
Policy D.2.b and Section C.
RAE Recommends whether UWF asserts or waives its interest, sets ownership, and tells the creator whether UWF will commercialise.
Policy D.2.b and D.2.c: 120 days for inventions, 60 for works.
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