How do you know if you should disclose an invention to the Berkeley Office of Technology Licensing (OTL)? Submit an invention disclosure if any of the following is true. The innovation was created:
- by a UC Berkeley employee as part of their scope of employment, or
- using UC Berkeley research facilities, or
- using funds administered through UC Berkeley
An invention that meets any of those criteria, and therefore could potentially be owned by the university, must be disclosed to OTL under the UC employee agreement. This ensures the University of California meets its legal obligations and contractual responsibilities.
Intellectual property ownership is case specific based on each set of circumstances. OTL makes the final determination on intellectual property ownership. If you are unsure whether the university could have an ownership interest in your IP, please contact the OTL for clarification.