Service Transfer Patents & Intellectual Property
Just as every book author has a copyright, an inventor of a technical-scientific innovation can apply for patent protection. With a granted patent, third parties can be prevented from using / applying the protected technology. This prohibition right represents an economic value. Inventions at a university should bring benefit to society, since they have been created using public funds.
Inventions developed under the terms of an employment contract are, according to the law, owned by the employer and have to be disclosed by the employee. If the university as your employer decides to apply for a patent for the invention, it bears the costs and any risk. However, the inventors receive 30% of all earnings.
What can be patented at all? And how to recognize a patentable invention? For these and other questions we are at your disposal. By phone, by email or personally with a presentation at your institute or in the working group - just contact us.
Service
Invention Disclosure Form
You have made an invention and want to disclose it to the university? Please use the invention disclosure form. Simply fill out (disclosure in both, German and English is welcome) and send it back to us. PLEASE NOTE: Any publication prior to patent filing will foreclose patent protection. After a possible application for a property right has been filed, there is of course nothing to prevent publication!