Disclosure & Review Process

To disclose an invention for patent and commercialization consideration, the inventor must complete a Clemson University Patent Disclosure Form, available from the Office of Technology Transfer (656-4237) or downloadable from this web site. The completed form is then submitted to the Office of Technology Transfer and is reviewed in accordance with the Clemson University Patent Policy.

Briefly, this process includes a review by a subcommittee of the Clemson University Intellectual Property Committee. This subcommittee meets with the inventor(s) to assess the technical features of the technology, any research sponsorship that led to the development of the technology, potential industry interest, and determine how best to proceed with the protection of the technology. Topics considered include, but not limited to:

1. assessment of potential strength of patent protection;
2. commercial application of invention;
3. and possible channels of commercialization (e.g. licensing, start-up company).

The subcommittee will make a recommendation to the full Intellectual Property Committee based on the above topics. The Clemson University Intellectual Property Committee recommends one of four options to the Director of Technology Transfer. These are:

1. refer to retained outside counsel for preparation of a patent application or copyright application;
2. defer a decision on patent application, deeming the technology too early stage;
3. seek commercial interest prior to filing a patent application;
4. or return to the inventor to patent, market, and license.

The Office of Technology Transfer manages the patent application process and the commercialization and licensing efforts. The inventor(s)/author(s) must be intimately involved in, or knowledgeable of, these processes, at all stages, as are the appropriate department chair, school director and dean.