These are some of our most frequently asked questions.
Of course, you might have other questions on your mind, so we’re here to help. Reach out and we’ll get back to you with specific guidance.
We ask that all potential inventors review the Intellectual Property Policy in its entirety.
To be eligible for your idea to be evaluated, your state-of-the-art technology must have commercial potential. Applicants must know the potential market size, characteristics, customers and competitors and how their innovation will address an unmet market need. This is important and helpful as we prepare to approach companies and impact how companies value your IP. When the Research Foundation decides to file a patent application all listed inventors shall be available to discuss all information related to co-council and the licensing managers.
Please read and complete the Invention Disclosure form.
A material transfer agreement is a contract that allows for an exchange of lab materials/software to be sent/received between URI Inventors and external individuals or companies. This agreement protects the Inventors intellectual property from public disclosure. Please contact our office if you have received a MTA so that the office may facilitate this exchange. You do not have signatory authority.
A non-disclosure agreement is a contract that allows for an exchange between URI Inventors and external individuals or companies to keep confidential certain information protected. This agreement protects the Inventors intellectual property from public disclosure. Please contact our office if you have received a NDA so that the office may facilitate this exchange. You do not have signatory authority.
Please contact the Licensing Officer or the Executive Director so that we may discuss your research. The URI Employee Contract states you must disclose all inventions. This is also mandated by federal law under Bayh-Dole rules.
An invention disclosure is not a publicly displayed document and will not prevent you from publishing. However your published work may invalidate your patent. If you have published work please come to us within 11 months so that we can make best efforts to file.
Anything that is publicly displayed. This includes your open/external conferences, symposiums, publications, social media accounts, blog post, and posters. You can invalidate your own patent. If you believe you have publicly disclosed something you must contact our office within 12 months from the date of the disclosure.
Please contact our office so that we may facilitate this exchange.
The University of Rhode Island capstone projects enables industry partners to sponsor teams of senior engineering students to work on real-world problems in design and manufacturing. Both sides win big. Industry partners get innovative solutions to problems and often implement these process and product ideas. They also see potential new hires up close. Students develop real-world experience to complement their academic learning.
For more information, please contact us.
A Sponsored Research Agreement is a contract providing the terms for an externally funded research project and typically includes a statement of work, budget, and time frame. SRAs also address IP rights, deliverables, publications and payment.
The government entity will also have assigned rights and they are usually listed as co-inventor. We will operate in accordance to the Bayh-Dole Act.