What is the IP Disclosure Process?
The IP Disclosure Process allows LU to partner with Lindenwood University employees as IP developers in identifying appropriate strategies for ownership, commercialization, and attribution. The IP Disclosure Form is the first step in evaluating potential IP for patentability, commercialization, and related institutional support. This form may be used to disclose new inventions, patentable or non-patentable materials, copyrighted works, trademarks, and related items. Information provided in this form helps the Intellectual Property Committee assess key considerations, timelines, and obligations for the commercialization of disclosed discoveries or materials. All information provided in the IP Disclosure Form is treated as confidential and proprietary by all stakeholders in the evaluation process.
When Should I Submit an IP Disclosure Form?
The IP Disclosure Form may be completed at any phase of an activity that may result in a work or product of proprietary value and involves the use of Material University Resources. A Material University Resource includes any internal or external funding, equipment, software, or resources not routinely available to faculty or staff, or material periods of time provided by university employees. An IP Disclosure Form should be submitted as soon as possible, when an LU faculty or staff member recognizes the commercial potential or viability of specific IP or information about IP development has been shared publicly, such as in a presentation at a conference, meeting, or publication. The IP Form represents a written record of IP and may be used to establish a legal record of the date of conception of the intellectual property. Please contact the Office for Research & Compliance (ORC) with additional questions about this disclosure process.
The IP Disclosure Form does not need to be completed when a project or activity results in a Scholarly Work completed by Faculty at their own direction without Material University Resources. ORC is available to assist in distinguishing between "IP Works" potentially requiring disclosure and "Scholarly Works". Examples of Scholarly Works include:
- research or scholarly publications
- textbooks
- journal articles
- conference materials
- fiction or nonfiction books
- theatrical scripts or productions
- poems and works of music or art
IP Disclosure Form and Process
To initiate formal IP Disclosure:
- Contact the Office for Research and Compliance (ORC) with any questions about IP Disclosure at LU.
- Complete the Intellectual Property Disclosure Form and return to ORC at academicaffairs@lindenwood.edu.
- The Intellectual Property Committee will conduct a preliminary evaluation of the IP Disclosure and develop an appropriate plan for IP protection, commercialization, or other applicable actions.
