About Intellectual Property
Intellectual property (IP) includes all forms of creativity, such as inventions, processes, materials, improvements to existing technology, software, and creative and artistic works. IP is protected legally through patents, copyrights and trademarks.
Confidentiality Agreement and Disclosure Form
IP provides the seeds for future economic growth and community prosperity. Therefore, SIUE seeks to cultivate entrepreneurship and innovation. Commercialization of SIUE IP for public use and benefit brings the benefits of discovery to the world.
SIU’s Office of Technology Management and Industry Relations (OTMIR) supports IP activities at SIUE. The OTMIR provides a variety of IP-related services, including:
Note that timing is key when it comes to protecting potential patent rights.
- Reviewing confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements
- Assisting with material transfer agreements
- Assisting with data sharing plans
- Providing advice on IP matters
- Assessing invention and IP disclosures
- Seeking patent and copyright protection when appropriate
To preserve U.S. patent rights, a patent application must be filed within one
year of any public disclosure of the patentable idea. To preserve international
patent rights, the patent application must be filed before any public disclosure
has occurred.
- Negotiating and licensing patented technologies in the marketplace
- Enforcing IP rights and licensing obligations
- Promoting and marketing IP (Check out the SIU Technology and Innovation Expo)
Contact OTMIR if you have questions or need assistance.
SIUE’s personnel who are not in the faculty collective bargaining unit should follow the SIU IP Policy. Faculty in the collective bargaining unit should follow their contract.
Internal funding in available through the Concept Commercialization Award to help advance an invention or discovery.
Local resources for commercialization of IP include:
- SIUE Small Business Development Center
- T-REX
- Venture Cafe
- BioSTL
- Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Other resources include:
