For Inventors
Invention Disclosure
The invention disclosure is the first step in protecting your innovation. Use the TTMS portal to submit your disclosure online, or contact the TTO for assistance.
Why File an Invention Disclosure?
Filing a disclosure triggers several important protections for your innovation.
IP Protection
Starts the process to file a patent application before any public disclosure, preserving rights in over 150 countries.
Revenue Potential
Inventors receive 40% of net licensing royalties. Filing your disclosure is the essential first step.
TTO Support
Gain access to TTO's commercialization team, industry network, and licensing expertise.
What the Disclosure Form Covers
Invention Summary
A concise lay-language description of what the invention is, what problem it solves, and how it differs from existing approaches. This section is used for initial TTO review and for contacting potential industry partners.
Inventor Information
Full names, departments, NSU ID numbers, and percentage contributions of all inventors. Co-inventors must each sign the completed disclosure.
Technical Description
A detailed technical description of the invention — how it works, preferred embodiments, and any experimental data or proof-of-concept results. Attach diagrams, schematics, and lab notebooks as needed.
Prior Art Knowledge
Any published literature, patents, or products you are aware of that are similar to your invention. This helps the TTO's patentability evaluation and the patent attorney drafting the application.
Funding & Resources
A list of all grants, contracts, or sponsored research agreements that funded any part of the work leading to this invention. This determines whether US government (Bayh-Dole) or sponsor IP rights apply.
Publication & Disclosure Plans
Any planned publication dates, conference presentation dates, or student thesis defenses. Provide at least 6 weeks notice so the TTO can file a provisional patent application before public disclosure.
What Happens After You Submit
Disclosure ID assigned (DISC-YYYY-NNNN) + email confirmation
TTO Officer contacts you to schedule a first meeting
Ownership Determination + Patentability Assessment complete
Decision: file patent, publish open access, or release to inventor
Portal access requires an NSU institutional email account.
Prefer paper? Download the PDF form and email it to office.tto@northsouth.edu.