What is the IDEA Center's Intellectual Property process?

After an invention has been disclosed to us, we will make an initial assessment of its fit to the Notre Dame IP policy and our ability to support its commercialization. If we believe there is a fit, will conduct prior art search to review all the patents, publications and posters in the areas the invention touches. Should the decision be made to move forward with commercializing this invention, we will work with outside attorneys to begin by filing a provisional patent application with claims. One year later, if appropriate, the application will traditionally be converted into a PCT application. Eighteen months after this filing, a nationalization decision must be made. Providing there is no licensee on the hook, the University will move the U.S. application forward, and nationalize in the U.S. only. However, if there is a licensee who wants the technology, that licensee can determine which countries in which to nationalize, and pay all expenses.