Office of Research and Technology Ventures
Invention Disclosures
Disclosure Timing
Investigators should consider submitting an invention disclosure before publicly presenting or publishing the details of an invention. In many cases it may be necessary to file a patent to protect the commercial value of an invention. Making a public disclosure prior to filing a patent application may limit the ability to obtain patent protection and may reduce the commercial value of an invention.
Advantages of submitting invention disclosures early:
- Provides ORTV and OGC with the time necessary to draft the best possible patent application
- Enables Dana-Farber to establish the earliest possible filing date for a patent
It is best to contact ORTV as early as possible, preferably 8-12 weeks before public disclosure so steps can be taken to preserve patent rights. If that timetable is not feasible, please Contact ORTV as soon as possible.
