One of the new procedures -- which goes into effect June 8 -- allows an informal application to be filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) at a reduced cost and effort.
Specifically, the Provisional Application permits applicants to file an invention disclosure minus the expense or time required to complete a regular patent application.
After the Provisional Application is filed, public disclosures of the new technology can be made without jeopardizing future patent protection for the invention. This means that publications and/or presentations will not interfere with the subsequent patent protection process.
In order to be issued a patent number and receive full patent protection, a regular, complete patent application must be filed with the USPTO within one year of the filing date of the Provisional Application.
Faculty and staff members who are engaged in projects which may result in the development of intellectual property are urged to contact the university patent officer before making any public disclosures. Public disclosures are defined as publication of any kind, presentation before any forum, or discussion with anyone about the new technology.
The university patent officer can determine the type of protection (patent or copyright) that is required and assist the employee with the process.
The patent officer may be contacted in Sponsored Programs Administration at 325-3521 or 325-7404.
This World Wide Web version of MSU Memo was modified and updated by Chris Brown.
For information about Mississippi State University, contact msuinfo@ur.msstate.edu
Last modified: Friday, 14-Jun-2002 15:59:04 CDT.
URL: http://msuinfo.ur.msstate.edu/msu_memo/1995/5-1-95/patent.htm
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