Suppose a patentable idea, invention or discovery is made as a result of a sponsored project. In that case, the disclosure of such must be made through the NIU Office of Innovation within a specified time or the University may lose its rights to the invention. Contact the Office of Innovation as soon as it is practical to discuss the disclosure, to avoid premature public disclosure, and if appropriate, to start the patent process.
As part of the award close out process, some sponsors require reports about patents and inventions made during the conduct of a sponsored project. These reports often require the signature of the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR). The AOR may be referred to as the Signing Official. When AOR signature is required, SPA will need to sign the report and be involved with review and/or submission of it. This may include signing a document (e.g., in a Word or pdf form) or electronically approving a report in an agency electronic research administration (eRA) system (e.g., NIH eRA Commons).
If no patentable idea, invention, or discovery results from the sponsored project, a Final Invention Report to the sponsor may still be required, indicating as such (i.e., a 'negative invention report').
Submitting a Final Invention Report
At least ten (10) business days before the sponsor deadline, email your Invention Statement or notify SPA that you have granted access to the completed report in the sponsor system via email to asosp@niu.edu with the Subject Line: “SPA submission required for final invention statement” and include the following information:
- SPA grant or InfoEd number
- Report due date
- Sponsor eRA system in which the report must be submitted
- Contact person if the PI will be unavailable for questions. If possible, the person should be able to answer technical questions.
SPA will confirm the information with the Office of Innovation and will either submit sign as AOR and submit the final report or return it to the PI for submission, depending on sponsor requirements.
Please email asosp@niu.edu with questions regarding any specific templates required by the sponsor as part of project close out.