The UNMC Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has designed a New Invention Notification Form, which makes it easier for UNMC faculty and staff to report their inventions to the IPO.
“We received many comments from inventors about the length and complexity of the old form,” said Lora Frecks, UNMC patent paralegal. “The new form is only half the size of the old form and it should be much easier and less burdensome for inventors to complete.”
The new document replaces the former Invention Disclosure Form.
“There are far fewer questions on the new form, which asks only for information which is absolutely necessary for proper evaluation of the invention,” Frecks said. “The old form contained more probing questions, which were useful, but not necessary for evaluative purposes, and the format of the new document was altered to make it easier to read and comprehend.”
Frecks, who indicated that the IPO receives approximately 30 invention disclosures per year, said that since the new form has so few questions, it is important that inventors take time to answer every question on the form. She also requested that people refrain from using the old document to submit future inventions.
The IPO’s mission is to “facilitate the transfer of UNMC’s innovative technologies for the public’s use and benefit via licensing and other commercial agreements.” The IPO is responsible for implementing the patent, invention disclosure and copyright policies for UNMC, while also managing its intellectual property.
The new form is available online www.unmc.edu/ipo/forms/forms.htm, or can be obtained by contacting the IPO via phone (559-2170) or e-mail ipo@unmc.edu. Inventors with questions regarding the new form or the invention notification process are encouraged to contact the IPO.
“Given that the new form was designed to be easier and faster to use, we don’t envision any problems arising in regards to the change,” Frecks said. “Early feedback from inventors has indicated that they are pleased.”