Scientific research and development at TU Wien often forms the basis for novel, innovative products or processes that can be used in a variety of fields. In the implementation of the often still basic research results into an actual product, securing the research results and the rights of TU Wien and its inventors is one of the decisive steps.

The crucial document for this purpose is the invention disclosure form, which must be completed, signed, and sent to Research and Transfer Support.

This also includes inventions generated during collaborations with the industry and other research institutions.

The staff members of Patent and Licence Management provide support to inventors of TU Wien in filing patent applications and in patent management, as well as in the implementation and exploitation of inventions.

Erfindungsmeldungsformular  (DOC) (Deutsch) TUW-intern, opens a file in a new window   Erfindungsmeldungsformular (DOC) (Englisch) TUW-intern, opens a file in a new window   (download only TU-internal)

Our Support offer

Inventions, which represent clear technical innovations, have the chance to be protected by a patent. These innovative solutions need to be suitable for industrial applications.

It is required to perform a preparatory patent and literature search and append it to the invention disclosure.

ESPACENET, opens an external URL in a new window | DEPATISnet, opens an external URL in a new window | Google/patents, opens an external URL in a new window

The invention must not be published in oral or written form (i.e. made accessible to the public) during these preliminary stages, in order for it to be patentable. From the day the patent application is filed, it is safe to publish the invention.

Detailed information regarding patent search, patent procedures etc. is available in our guide, opens an external URL in a new window – Part 1 and 2 - currently only available in German).

Your invention disclosure will be processed by one of our patent & licence managers.

Our support includes:

Evaluation

  • Clarifying the ownership structure (students, other universities, companies)
  • Search for patent literature and market opportunities

Patenting

  • Drafting, submitting and monitoring patent application filings (in co-operation with external patent attorneys and patent offices)

Exploitation

  • Marketing and searching for industry and research partners
  • Negotiations with corporate partners (e.g. option contracts and license agreements)
  • Support in creating spin-outs (new companies) together with i²c and INiTS

 

Possible exploitation models are: continuing research projects, licensing, selling, company spin-outs 

The decision for one of the above model depends on multiple factors, especially on the state of development, possible applications, the interests of TU Wien, individual plans of the involved researchers and of course on the interest of potential industry partners.

Close co-operation between Research and Transfer Support and the team of inventors is a prerequisite for successful patenting and the subsequent exploitation. Researchers with their expertise and contacts play a key role in this issue.

Research and Transfer Support provides information events and regular lectures and workshops in the field of patenting and exploitation:

Courses are also offered by INiTS, opens an external URL in a new window and i²c, opens an external URL in a new window  in the area of business start-ups.

 

TU Wien is a strategic partner university within the Pan-European Seal Traineeship Programme , opens an external URL in a new window at European Patent Office (EPO)  and European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)., opens an external URL in a new window

Students of TU Wien with a Bachelor or Master degree can apply for a year-long (12 months) paid traineeship until middle of February.

More information and details can be found on  Pan-European Seal Traineeship @ TU Wien., opens in new window