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Where does innovation begin?
With an idea.
Your idea.
Here’s how to get started.
We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an idea, whether its for a new business concept, a new technology, piece of software, cell line, compound, survey, on-line course, new drug or some other innovation with the potential to evolve into a product, service, company or entire industry that will benefit the public.
We prefer that you call the office (213 821-5000) and describe your particular situation and needs so an appropriate USC staff member can help you. They will explain a process that matches your needs and answer any questions you might have. Initial discussions with our office will be very general. For the case of inventions, topics may include a brief description of your invention and what problem it solves; the potential markets, niche applications, competition, and projected time to get a service or product to market; and what commercialization risk factors might exist. For the case of a new business model or start-up, some similar questions will be asked, but a different series will also be appropriate.
In many cases, as you will read below, you may be required to disclose inventions and other forms of intellectual property pursuant to USC policy or pursuant to sponsored research agreements. The initial discussion is important to determine the stage of the innovation or project and what additional steps should be taken, and whether there may be events that could impact patentability, other forms of protection, or compromise potential rights in some way.
Alternatively, you may fill out a disclosure on line or print and mail it to us via campus mail at EEB 131 MC 2561.
Please follow these steps to fill out the form electronically:
- Download the Microsoft Word version of the form by clicking on this link. FOR SOFTWARE, please download and complete the "Software Addendum" form in addition to the disclosure form.
- Fill out the form in Microsoft Word. Please use 10 or 12 point font and avoid additional formatting, such as bold, italic, underline.
- Print the form, sign it and send or deliver to our office, EEB 131 (Mail Code 2561).
To fill out the form manually:
- Download the pdf version of the form by clicking on this link. FOR SOFTWARE, please download and complete the "Software Addendum" form in addition to the disclosure form.
- Open the file and print it out.
- Fill out the form, sign it and send or deliver to our office, EEB 131 (Mail Code 2561).
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