FedEx Institute of Technology
Invention Disclosure
Protect your ideas. Expand your impact.
Every breakthrough starts with curiosity — and protecting that discovery is the first
step toward turning research into real-world impact. An invention disclosure helps
University of Memphis researchers safeguard their innovations, preserve future patent
rights, and confidently publish, present, and collaborate. Filing early ensures your
work stays protected while creating pathways to commercialization, partnerships, and
societal benefit.
Download Invention Disclosure Form
Under U.S. patent law, public disclosure can happen earlier than expected and may permanently limit your ability to patent. Filing an invention disclosure creates an official record with the Office of Technology Transfer (OTT), allowing the University to pursue patent protection on your behalf.
By disclosing early, you can:
- Protect your intellectual property
- Preserve patent opportunities
- Share and publish research without risk
- Explore commercialization and industry partnerships
Many everyday academic activities qualify as public disclosure, including:
- Conference presentations (with or without handouts)
- Posters or abstracts presented at meetings
- Online or printed abstracts published before events
- Theses or dissertations stored in accessible databases
- Journal articles as soon as they appear online
- Grant applications made publicly available
- Information posted on any website, including lab pages
- Meetings with companies or external collaborators without a confidentiality agreement
If information can be accessed outside your immediate research team, it is considered public.
Not every discovery becomes a patent — but many qualify.
To be considered patentable, an invention must be:
- Useful – Provides a practical function or solves a problem
- Novel – New compared to existing knowledge or solutions
- Non-obvious – Not an expected step to experts in the field
If you’re unsure, the OTT team can help you evaluate your research and next steps.
The University of Memphis Intellectual Property Policy defines how IP is owned, protected,
and commercialized. It applies to faculty, staff, students, postdoctoral fellows,
and collaborators engaged in research or scholarship.
How to Submit an Invention Disclosure
Submitting your disclosure is straightforward and supported every step of the way.
1. Start the Conversation
Begin by connecting with our patents expert to talk through your idea and identify
the best next steps for protecting your invention.
Director, Patents
2. Complete the Disclosure Form
Provide an overview of your invention by completing the disclosure form with key technical
and background details.
Invention Disclosure Form
Download, fill out, and prepare the form for submission.
3. Submit to OTT
Submit by Email:
hhtrieu@memphis.edu
Submit by Mail:
FedEx Institute of Technology
365 Fogelman Drive, Suite 303
Memphis, TN 38152-3115
ATTN: Hai Trieu
Interested in Entrepreneurship?
We have resources for students and faculty.
The Crews Center for Entrepreneurship encourages and supports a culture of innovation
and entrepreneurship within the University of Memphis, helping faculty and student
entrepreneurs as they focus their passion to commercialize their research, ideas and
inventions into the foundations of successful startup companies.
The Crews Center houses a world class technology venture development lab with flexible
co-working space for current and aspiring entrepreneurs, furnished offices for visiting
investors and mentors, lab areas for prototype development, meeting rooms and more.