Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a new disclosure?

On the New Disclosure page, enter a brief name for your innovation in the Innovation Name. This name is for distinctive reference only, and does not need to fully classify the innovation. As soon as the Create button is pressed on the New Disclosure page, a permanent record will be created. The Innovation Name is the only required field on the New Disclosure page.

How do I navigate and complete the description of my innovation on the Innovation Disclosure Tool website?

The site consists of a number of tabs that can be completed in stages, and partial information can be saved. Completion of some of the requested information is however mandatory prior to being able to submit the innovation for a full review. You can navigate sequentially between tabs using the red arrows, or alternatively, move directly to any section by clicking on the appropriate tab.

Pay particular attention to the mandatory fields, and ensure these are fully completed as soon as possible. Tabs that are not fully complete will show a red exclamation mark until all mandatory information is entered on that tab.

How do I submit the form once it is completed?

When you are sure that all available information and particularly the mandatory fields have been logged, the disclosure can be submitted to EIL for consideration. However, we highly recommend that you engage with a member of our team prior to submitting the form. To submit the form, return to the Summary tab, scroll to the bottom of the screen, and press submit.

Why do you refer to innovation rather than invention?

Invention normally refers specifically to a technology that is capable of being patented. We also support the commercialisation of non-patent technology such as software and biological materials. You can also use the portal to alert us to early stage concepts, prior to being able to exactly define an invention. Innovation is therefore used as a more generic term.

Why then is there an "inventor" section that needs to be completed?

This is a convenient term to cover those individuals responsible for the intellectual input behind the innovation being disclosed. So for example for software, include those responsible for authoring the code or for defining its architecture. For biological materials, include those responsible for defining the production of the materials or who introduced innovation in the process of creating the material.

It is often possible to identify various individuals who may have contributed to the innovation, but did not themselves innovate. If you want to reward these individuals, name them in the "Contributor" section. Otherwise, do not include them at all.

What is a "Disclosure"?

We refer to the process where research staff provide all of the background information required for Edinburgh Innovations to consider the commercial potential of the innovation, a "Disclosure". This is not to be confused with making a public disclosure.

What if I have already submitted details of my innovation for publication, or discussed my innovation with third parties?

If you are hoping to obtain a patent on your innovation, you should not make any public disclosure. Once the innovation is placed in the public domain, it is not normally possible to obtain a patent. Publications, posting information on the internet, presenting a seminar accessible by non-University of Edinburgh staff, conference proceedings, discussion with third parties not under obligations of confidentiality, and discussion on public transport, can all be regarded as public disclosure. Submitting a manuscript into a confidential review process is not necessarily regarded as a public disclosure. However, the considerations are very complex and you should contact us as soon as possible for further advice.

University of Edinburgh students were clearly responsible for some of the innovation. How should I proceed?

At University of Edinburgh, students are held to own their own intellectual property. Go ahead and enter all preliminary information including the naming the students as inventors and the EIL team will advise you on the appropriate next steps.

Contributions to my innovation were made by external individuals. How should I proceed?

External individuals can obtain direct access to the portal. Enter them as inventors, and they will receive sign-on details. Your EIL contact can advise further.

Why does the website have so many questions that require detailed answers?

Establishing ownership of IP is important, and that requires complete disclosure of the circumstance under which the innovation arose.

Will I be able to obtain a patent on my innovation?

Whether or not a particular innovation can be patented requires very close consideration. We will first need to take a view on whether we think it is appropriate to seek patent protection, and if so, work with you to make an application.

What is the significance of digitally signing the disclosure form?

By signing the form, each "Inventor" is declaring that they have contributed intellectual input to the innovation and additionally are agreeing that the percentage attributed to them is reasonably representative of their contribution to the innovation. In the case of the person named as the lead inventor, they are declaring that all percentages are reasonably representative, and that each inventor has been consulted in arriving at these ratios. When the innovation relates to a patentable invention, it is particularly important to ensure that everyone who contributed patentable inventiveness is named, since failure to do so could lead to the patent being declared invalid, even after being granted.

Can I just go ahead and exploit my innovation myself?

No. In general, innovations arising from your employment will be owned by the University, and the University requires that all innovations are disclosed to EIL as they become available. If after evaluating an invention we conclude there is no University interest in pursuing commercialisation, then the technology can be made available back to the inventors subject to various stipulations.

Is there a University policy covering such matters?

Yes, please refer to the University Policy on Commercialising IP, available at the following link:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/uoe_policy_on_commercialisation_of_ip.pdf

See also further Legal Services guidance:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/legal-services/frequently-asked-questions

Where can I find my EI Business Development contact?

EI's Business Development team are the first point of contact for academics and researchers at the University and can assist you with the completion of the innovation disclosure form.

You can find the BD team contacts here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-innovations/for-staff/commercialisation-routes/business-development-team

When can I expect to be contacted by one of your team?

If this a new disclosure and you have not previously engaged with EI, you should normally be contacted within two to three weeks. If you do not hear within that time frame, in the first instance please email to tech-transfer@ei.ed.ac.uk

Where can I get additional information on Edinburgh Innovation's commercialisation process?

Please refer to our website, either by following the links from our home page https://www.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-innovations, or by directly navigating to our commercialisation pages at https://www.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-innovations/for-staff/commercialisation-routes