FAQ
This FAQ section complements the NIU Intellectual Property Policy
You should submit an Innovation Disclosure once you have a clear concept and before you publicly disclose revealing information in writing or orally to a third party. This includes submitting an abstract, manuscript, report, presentation, poster, thesis, publishing it on the Internet or any other public format, or having a discussion. See question 8
If the TTO decides to patent your invention, you must assign the invention to NIU, via an assignment agreement. You must cooperate with the TTO and its patent counsels in the patent prosecution and marketing of your invention. You may be called on to consult with the licensee to at least a limited extent after the invention is licensed
After an invention is licensed, the TTO typically will ask the licensee to reimburse these expenses. The university will also pay you a share of the income it receives from licensing your invention. The NIU Intellectual Property Policy gives inventors a one-third share in such income after university expenses have been paid
Contact Us
Technology Transfer
tto@niu.edu
Mark Hankins
Assistant Director for Technology Transfer
815-753-9281
mhankins1@niu.edu