Invention Disclosure
Disclosing your invention establishes a legal basis to protect your intellectual property. Hence, researchers are encouraged to disclose early and often.
DISCLOSURE TRIGGERS - When should I disclose
Wondering if your research needs to be disclosed? Below is a list of scenarios that can help determine if it is time to begin the disclosure process.
The following examples describe common situations that would call for filling out a disclosure. If any of the following apply to your research or product, consider starting the disclosure process. Your disclosure is confidential and used by TT&C to assess the invention's commercial merits.
A detailed disclosure helps avoid disputes about the invention's origin, development, or ownership. It ensures all parties involved clearly understand the innovation. Formal documentation establishes ownership and rights, safeguarding against unauthorized use or exploitation by others.
WHAT GOES IN A DISCLOSURE - Details to include in the disclosure
Ready to fill out a disclosure, but don't now what information to include?
Your description serves as evidence of the invention's novelty, inventiveness, and utility; all crucial factors in obtaining patents or other forms of Intellectual Property Rights.
Description - Sections in the disclosure form
- Private Abstract – Indicates not only the invention’s purpose and primary uses, but also the details that make it novel and not apparent to someone who is “skilled in the art”.
- Public Abstract – In contrast to the Private Abstract, the Public Abstract identifies only the invention’s purpose and primary uses. Do not include information which exposes the “key ingredients” of your invention.
- Description – Outlines how the invention works and may include a drawing or two. Since the Description is viewable by the public, do not include information which exposes the “key ingredients” of your invention.
- Short Description of Prior Art – Transparency enables a thorough evaluation of existing knowledge and ensures compliance with disclosure obligations. Hence, by openly disclosing related information and inventions which provide similar functionality as your invention, you facilitate the patent examination process.
WHERE DO I DISCLOSE - Use SOPHIA for Disclosures
Disclosures and all Intellectual Property documents are maintained in Sophia, SMU’s Patent Management System from Wellspring. As an ҹɫfaculty researcher, you already have access to Sophia.
ATTENTION: All funding sources must be disclosed in this section because sponsors may have intellectual property rights through federal law or University contracts.
Download the on how to login and fill out the disclosure form.
Don't want to go through Sophia? - Download and email if preferred
Click the icon to download the form
Email the PDF to TTandC@mail.com.edu
and cc TTandCLicensing@mail.com.edu
TAKE A TEST DRIVE - Sophia testing environment
We recommend first familiarizing yourself with the disclosure-entry process by using the Sophia Test Site. You can reach the test site, from any Sophia web page, by simply inserting “.test.” after //smu as in this example:
The link brings up the Home Page on the test site, which has a yellow background to distinguish it from production.
READY TO START? - Production Sophia with a step-by-step guide
Click the icon to access the production version of Sophia.
Click here to download the step-by-step guide to accessing Sophia and filling out a disclosure
WARNING: Forms CANNOT be deleted on production Sophia. Try the test sight first to avoid errors!