Our Process

Following are the steps in the process to obtain a patent or copyright:

1. The inventor or creator of scholarly work should check requirements by reading the appropriate OSU policy. For patents, consult OSU Policy No. 1-0202. For copyrights, see OSU Policy No. 1-0201.

2. The next step is to apprise the University (make disclosure) of the invention or scholarly creation by completing an Invention Record and Report form. This form is available from the Office Intellectual Property Management and can be downloaded from this Web site. Complete the form and include DETAILED information, such as:

   • Purpose of the invention
   • What is novel about the invention
   • What companies might be interested in your invention or creation
   • Why there is a need for it commercially
   • Any external funds that have been used to support the research
   • Co-inventors

In the case of a patent, disclosure should be made as soon as possible in order to protect potential patent rights.

If you believe the patent or copyright belongs to you rather than the University, explain why. If University resources were used and/or the project was part of your assigned duties, the intellectual property generally belongs to OSU.