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You should contact the office as early as possible, preferably before publishing, presenting, submitting a manuscript, sharing information with an external party, or publicly demonstrating the technology. Early disclosure allows sufficient time to assess the invention and determine whether IP protection should be pursued. Submitting an invention disclosure begins the internal assessment process and does not automatically result in a patent application.

The disclosure should clearly describe the invention, the problem it addresses, how it works, its advantages, potential applications, and current stage of development. Inventors should also identify contributors to the inventive concept, funding sources, external collaborators, previous or planned public disclosures, and any supporting data, publications, drawings, or experimental results. Complete information supports the technical, patentability, ownership, and commercial assessment.

At this stage, the invention disclosure process is available to Khalifa University faculty members, researchers, and students. The completed invention disclosure form should be submitted through Home. For assistance, inventors may contact the IP Protection and Management Office at IP@KU.AC.AE.

Public disclosure before filing may affect or prevent patent protection in some countries. Public disclosure may include journal articles, conference presentations, posters, abstracts, theses, websites, demonstrations, media interviews, grant materials, or discussions with external parties without a confidentiality agreement. Inventors are encouraged to contact the office before any public disclosure so that publication and IP protection can be coordinated.

The office will review the disclosure and may request additional technical information or supporting documents. The assessment may cover inventorship, ownership, funding obligations, prior art, patentability, market potential, development status, and protection options. Based on the assessment, the office may recommend filing for protection, requesting further development or evidence, pursuing commercialization opportunities, or not proceeding at that stage. Inventors will be informed of the outcome and may be asked to continue supporting the process.

IP protection, particularly patent protection, requires significant time and financial investment. The office therefore considers both patentability and the invention’s potential applications, market need, competitive advantages, development pathway, and opportunities for industry adoption. Commercial or societal potential can influence the appropriate protection and commercialization strategy.

No. An invention may be disclosed and assessed at an early stage. However, supporting data, a prototype, proof of concept, validation results, or a clear development plan can strengthen the assessment and help potential partners understand the technology’s value and feasibility. Further development may be requested before commercialization activities begin.

IP may be commercialized through licensing, a start-up or spin-off company, research or development collaboration, or joint development with an industry partner. The office will consider the technology, market opportunity, development requirements, and potential partners when identifying a suitable pathway. Inventors may support the process by providing technical information, participating in discussions with interested parties, assisting with further development or validation, or establishing their own start-up or spin-off company, subject to the university’s applicable policies and approvals.