Report an Invention

1. Invention Disclosure

Please start by filling out an Invention Disclosure Form found on our website under Forms & Documents. Once we receive the disclosure we can begin process of evaluating feasibility, novelty, and market potential to determine the next steps in the IP assessment and protection process. Please list all sources of funding under which the invention was developed to ensure UCF is able to meet its reporting obligations to sponsor.

2. Publication and Public Disclosure

It is important to disclose to the OTT the invention you developed before you publicly disclose or publish this discovery. If you have presented or published your research results, or plan to do so in the near future, please contact us immediately. There are certain deadlines that have to be met to ensure University’s intellectual property rights are not lost due to publication.

3. Conversation

Over the coming weeks, you can expect ongoing communication with members of the Technology Transfer team. We may reach out with follow‑up questions to clarify specific aspects of the invention, and our supporting patent attorney may also request an opportunity to speak with you.

4. Marketing and Licensing

Licensing a technology is often the most complex phase of the technology transfer process. Our office employs a range of strategic marketing approaches to promote available technologies, including showcasing them on our website, presenting at conferences, and conducting targeted outreach campaigns.

Equally important to this effort is strong inventor engagement. As subject‑matter experts, inventors play a vital role in commercialization, and we encourage active participation through attending industry trade shows, publishing scholarly articles, and cultivating relationships with potential industry partners.

5. Timeline

The timeline for the technology transfer process varies based on the scope and complexity of the innovation. In general, the evaluation of an invention—including its potential applications, patentability, and market viability—takes approximately one to two months. Within 90 days of receiving the invention disclosure, our team will communicate the university’s decision as to whether the university will pursue commercialization.
While the patenting process itself typically takes 18 to 36 months, marketing and licensing activities begin promptly once the intellectual property protection process is initiated.