Disclose Your Invention

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The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation manages the intellectual property portfolio for all University of Chicago inventions, acting as the official university technology transfer office. The Polsky Center protects, manages, and supports the commercialization of inventions generated through research at the University of Chicago, UChicago Medicine, the Marine Biological Laboratory, and the Toyota Technological Institute. For such inventions, submitting an invention disclosure is the first step to engaging with the Polsky Center in the commercialization process.

It is very important for you to talk to the Polsky Center before making your discovery or idea public (e.g., through a presentation or publication, etc.).

NOTE: If you are not a researcher, postdoctoral fellow, resident, student, or staff member in one of these organizations, please contact us before submitting an invention disclosure to determine if it is appropriate for you to do so.

Access the Inventor Portal

Our Process

Certain discoveries, inventions, and materials are best disseminated through intellectual property protection and commercial partnerships. The Polsky Center evaluates the best route to maximize the impact of University research. In addition, federal grants and other research sponsors typically require that inventions made using those funds be disclosed to the University and reported to the funding source.

Access the Inventor Portal: Get started by Accessing the Polsky Center’s Inventor Portal.
Complete and Submit the Invention Disclosure: Submission of the invention disclosure ensures that the Polsky Center receives all the required and relevant information in order to evaluate your disclosure for intellectual property protection and commercial potential. Make sure that you include any relevant supporting documents, such as any draft manuscripts, slide decks, etc. with your disclosure. Disclose early and often.
Evaluation and Next Steps: After we have received your disclosure and ensured that it is complete, a member of the Polsky Center team will be assigned to your invention and will reach out to you for further discussion.

Questions?
Contact the Polsky Center team with any general inquiries at polskylicensing@uchicago.edu.

Problems with the Inventor Portal?
If you are unable to access the Inventor Portal, please contact inventions@uchicago.edu.