What is invention disclosure?

Invention disclosure is the act of sharing sufficient information for another person to carry out or duplicate your invention. In order to begin the process of protecting your invention you must first disclose the invention to the RPC. "Public disclosure" of your invention through publication, presentation at conferences, poster sessions, web site postings, classroom discussions, etc. will result in losing all rights to patenting in foreign countries. Failure to file a patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office within one year of a public disclosure results in complete loss of patenting rights.

UW Inventors

Generally, you may disclose your invention to fellow University of Wyoming colleagues without a written agreement of confidentiality. You may disclose your invention to someone outside the University of Wyoming without jeopardizing patent rights if proper confidentiality agreements are in place. The RPC will work with you to get the proper confidentiality requirements in place. When appropriately signed by UW and by the potential recipient's organization, this agreement will prevent loss of patent rights.

Invention Disclosure Form

UW Inventor Invention Disclosure Form (.DOC)

UW Inventor Invention Disclosure Form(.PDF)

Software Disclosure Form

UW Inventor Software Disclosure Form (.PDF)

Trademark Disclosure Form

UW Inventor Trademark Disclosure Form (.DOC)