Invention disclosure forms and copyright disclosure forms are confidential documents that provide a written, dated record of the creation of an invention or copyrighted work.
The forms provide spaces to fully describe the invention or copyrighted work and include detailed information that helps to determine the discovery’s commercial potential. MSU Technologies uses separate forms for inventions and copyrighted works. Download the forms below:
Forms may be mailed or emailed to ipdocs@msu.edu.
Submit the appropriate disclosure form to MSU Technologies soon after the invention or work is conceived and before publishing your research. Early disclosure reduces the likelihood of irreversible error that might result in the inability to patent a technology and also facilitates the collection of needed signatures and records from students and post-docs who may leave the university.
As stated in the university Patent Policy, all university inventions should be disclosed to the university prior to disclosing via any other form of communication (e.g., publications, presentations, or communications with third parties). Therefore, alert our staff to:
- any upcoming publications or presentations related to the invention
- any related sponsored research contracts and activities
- any third parties who may be interested in commercializing the invention
Find the technology manager assigned to work with your campus unit.
Also, include supporting data and copies of all literature references with the invention disclosure. Submitting complete information helps MSUT make informed and timely decisions and will make it easier for an attorney to draft a patent application in the event that the university decides to file one.
The next step in the technology transfer process is screening.