Office of Technology Transfer and Innovation
The Office of Technology Transfer and Innovation (OTTI) manages patents, copyrights, and works with faculty and the Intellectual Property Committee to file patents for inventions. The office also acts as the industry's gateway to innovation at the University of Houston, uniting UH with start-ups, midsize companies, large corporations and non-profit organizations to bring university discoveries to the marketplace. OTTI oversees the IP Committee, Technology GAP Fund and the UH Technology Bridge.
The Office of Technology Transfer and Innovation:
- Manages patents and copyrights.
- Works with faculty and the IP Committee to file patents for inventions.
- Fosters research and scholarship through the effective transfer of University-wide technology to industry.
- Leases office space and lab facilities in the UH Innovation Center & Labs.
For trademarks, please visit the Office of General Counsel.
The IP Process for Inventors
Contact Technology Commercialization to discuss patenting, trademarking or licensing of technologies or inventions. A disclosure form (DOC) should be submitted to Technology Commercialization at least three months prior to disclosure via publication, grant application, presentation, or other medium. Additionally, the Office of Technology Transfer and Innovation strongly advises that no inventions be discussed outside of the University of Houston without first having the other parties sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). NDAs may be attained by contacting the Office of Contracts and Grants.
To submit a disclosure for evaluation, please complete the following steps.
- Download the Invention Disclosure Form. We encourage all inventions come from the latest version of the disclosure form.
- Complete the form in full and have the form signed by all inventors. We encourage the primary contact on the invention disclosure form be a full-time UH faculty member even if a graduate student or other staff made a larger contribution.
- Email the form to the Office of Technology Transfer and Innovation at oipm@central.uh.edu.
- An OTTI staff member will contact you. Please allow 30-60 days for full invention disclosure evaluation.
Definitions
Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind that are legally protected to encourage innovation and creativity. Key definitions:
- Copyrights safeguard original creative works such as art and literature.
- Patents provide exclusive rights for new and practical inventions.
- Trade Secrets involve confidential details that offer a business a competitive edge.
- Trademarks refer to words, symbols, phrases, or designs that distinguish a brand.
Categories of Intellectual Property
- Copyright: Protects the unique expression of an idea.
- Patent: Covers innovative ideas or inventions.
- Trade Secret: Involves secret methods or processes that benefit a business competitively.
- Trademark: Identifies and differentiates a business through specific expressions or symbols.
