Get started
Protect your inventions
Share wisely! Public disclosure of your invention before filing a patent application can severely impact or eliminate your ability to obtain patent rights.
Consultation for UW Researchers
Determining what is, and is not, patentable is a complex process. While the below information is a helpful starting point, it is best to consult with a CoMotion Innovation Manager to determine if your innovation is patentable.
Patent essentials for UW Innovators
Patent basics
Learn what makes an innovation patentable and the benefits of a patent.
Process and timeline
Follow CoMotion’s patent process timeline from submitting your innovation to CoMotion all the way to obtaining a patent.
Inventorship and contributors
Only individuals who helped conceive of the subject matter claimed in the patent application are considered inventors.
Ownership
As a condition of employment, all UW employees agree to assign to the UW all inventions and discoveries in which the UW has an interest.
Patent success stories
David Baker
David’s groundbreaking research has led to 150+ patents in the field of computational protein design, tackling critical challenges in medicine, technology, and sustainability.
Mary “Nora” L. Disis
Nora holds 40+ patents, including influential advances in the development of vaccines for breast and ovarian cancer.
James Carothers
James currently has pending applications for eight patents, including one for modular, kinetically controlled functional RNA biosensor constructs and related compositions, systems, and methods.
Patent Management Team
Our in-house Patent Portfolio Managers work with CoMotion’s Innovation Managers in assessing the patentability and scope of patent protection of an innovation and patent portfolios.
Our Patent Services
- Application drafting and filing
- Prosecution support and guidance throughout the entire patent process
- Landscape analysis for determining the patentability of your innovation
- Patent management for patents licensed to UW startups and third-party entities
- Patent education and outreach for UW innovators
Learn more
For more information on patents, visit the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website at www.uspto.gov.