Your research could change the world, but most university inventions never leave the lab. To ensure your innovation has real-world impact, know these truths about patenting.

Four truths about patenting

1. Your invention must be novel and non-obvious
Patentability requires novelty (no prior public disclosure) and an inventive step (not obvious to an expert). Contact the KTT office before any external disclosure—presentations, publications, or conversations.

2. It's an invention, not just an idea
A patent protects a technical product or process with industrial application, not abstract theories or discoveries. This ensures innovations are concrete solutions for the market.

3. A patent's power is defensive
A patent isn’t a right to use an invention; it’s a right to stop others from using it commercially for 20 years. This creates a competitive moat—an asset for attracting investors and partners.

4. The inventor's role and reward
An inventor has "intellectual domination" over the core concept, not just a supervisory role. Unifr owns the IP, and we partner to commercialize it with a fair return: inventors typically receive 1/3 of revenues.

Understanding these principles is step one. Your next step is to engage us. Partner with the KTT office early to build a powerful strategy and bring your research to market.