It is important that Argonne researchers have an understanding of intellectual property (IP) management, including how to identify IP and what to do once you determine you have created IP.
The University of California system has created an open-source online training course on intellectual property essentials that Argonne’s Legal Department (LEG) believes may be useful to Argonne researchers. Argonne researchers are encouraged to review the content in the training course on a periodic basis.
Patenting of Argonne technology helps the lab achieve its mission — particularly, the part that focuses on Argonne making a positive impact on society and the U.S. economy.
In addition, patents, like technical papers, promote Argonne’s reputation in specific fields, and potential business collaborators often come to Argonne because of what they find in the patented art.
Lastly, licensing of patents is a means for Argonne to secure additional income that goes in part to the inventor(s), in part to the directorate, and in part to Argonne as a whole. The lab has a generous policy of offering 34 percent of any income received from patent licensing to the inventors. The balance is invested at the laboratory in R&D, education and technology transfer.
For additional information on IP, the invention disclosure process at Argonne, and related topics, visit the Invention Disclosure page on Inside Argonne. The page includes contacts with whom you can connect if you have specific questions.