Invention Disclosure

Step 1) Research & Discovery

The starting point for any invention is conception, and after that happens you can start to research and develop the idea. This can be an instantaneous process, or take place over the course of several years. Not all inventions are completely new ideas, many are an improvement to an existing technology. If you are looking for funding to get your research off the ground, please visit the WiSys grants page to see some of the opportunities we have available.

Step 2) Invention Disclosure

Download and complete our Invention Disclosure Form, and then submit it to WiSys via our submission form, mail/email or fax. It shouldn’t take more than 15-20 minutes to complete. Please include any background data, manuscripts and research data that you may have. Once we receive the Invention Disclosure Form from you, we will reach out to set up a meeting or call with a WiSys Associate who will discuss your invention with you in depth.

Disclosing Your Invention

Step 3) WiSys Decision

The WiSys Disclosure Committee assesses your idea. The committee accepts about half of all new disclosures. Among other things, the committee asks:

  • Is it protectable?
  • Is there market/commercial potential?
  • Can we license it?

Some disclosures may be too early to patent. These are called “predisclosures.” WiSys will reconsider your predisclosure if you decide to develop the technology further and may have development funds available.

Step 4) Inventor is Notified by WiSys

We accept or don’t accept the invention; either way, there’s a Universities of Wisconsin Equity Review, which determines funding sources and ownership rights to the invention.

If we accept, you sign a Memorandum Agreement in which you assign your technology to WiSys and WiSys agrees to share 20 percent of licensing royalty revenue with the inventor group.

If we decide not to move forward, we will indicate our reasoning.

We are always open to further discussion.