Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (IP) protects all forms of innovative works, such as inventions, processes, materials, improvements to existing technology, software, and creative and artistic works. Some forms of IP include patents, copyrights, and trademarks.  IP provides the seeds for future economic growth and community prosperity. Therefore, SIU Medicine seeks to cultivate entrepreneurship and innovation.  Commericalization of SIU Medicine IP for public use and benefit brings the benefits of discovery to the world.  

The SIU System-wide Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) supports IP activities at SIU Medicine. The OTT provides a variety of IP-related services, including:

  • reviewing confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements
  • assisting with material transfer agreements
  • providing advice on IP matters
  • assessing invention and IP disclosures
  • seeking patent and copyright protection when appropriate
  • Note that timing is key when it comes to protecting potential patent rights. To preserve U.S. patent rights, a patent application must be filed within one year of any public disclosure of the patentable idea. To preserve international patent rights, the patent application must be filed before any public disclosure has occurred.
  • negotiating and licensing patented technologies in the marketplace
  • enforcing IP rights and licensing obligations
  • promoting and marketing IP

Contact OTT if you have questions or need assistance.

Internal funding is available through the Concept Development Award to help advance an invention or discovery.

Local resources for commercialization of IP include: