How to disclose your invention
A strong start for your invention
Submitting an invention disclosure lays the foundation for professionally assessing, protecting and developing your idea.
Triathlon supports you throughout the process as your central point of contact—confidentially, systematically and step by step. Here, you can learn how disclosing your invention marks the first step towards protecting and commercialising it.
How we help you disclose and commercialise your invention in six steps
The process begins by disclosing your invention to the university. We show you what happens next.
Background: Why you need to disclose your invention
An invention disclosure submitted by a university inventor to the university is a crucial step in systematically protecting and commercialising research results. It establishes the legal basis for applying for intellectual property rights while also opening up opportunities for commercial use. The invention must be disclosed before it is published, as premature publication may jeopardise or prevent it from qualifying for intellectual property protection.
Under the German Employee Inventions Act (ArbNErfG), employees are generally required to notify their employer of inventions without delay. Research conducted as part of secondary employment or externally funded projects may also result in service inventions. In these cases, the university is likewise entitled to claim and commercialise the invention.
If the invention is successfully commercialised, the inventor is entitled to inventor remuneration. The university generally covers the costs of filing applications for intellectual property rights.
Invention disclosure
You have developed an idea or invention.
- You formally disclose your invention to the university management.
- Triathlon’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) receives a copy of your invention disclosure.
We support you from the very beginning and are your first point of contact for protecting, assessing and commercialising your idea.
Submit your invention disclosure in writing
1. Download the form
Download the appropriate invention disclosure form for your institution from our download section.
2. Complete the form
Complete the form—digitally if preferred—and sign it either digitally or by hand after printing.
3. Submit the document
Send the signed form by post or as a scanned copy by email to the address provided on the form.
Please note: Wherever possible, encrypt the document and share the password with us through a separate communication channel.
Assessment of your idea
You discuss your idea with us.
- During an initial consultation, you get to know the TTO and present your invention.
- We assess its patentability, including through a prior art search.
- At the same time, we work with you to evaluate its commercial potential.
- During a follow-up consultation, we discuss the results with you openly and transparently.
We provide you with a well-founded assessment so you can understand the potential of your invention.
Our recommendation to the University
You receive a clear assessment.
- Based on our assessment, we recommend whether your university should claim or release the invention.
We present a technically sound case for your invention and provide a clear, transparent basis for the decision.
The University’s decision
You gain clarity for planning your next steps.
- The university decides whether to claim or release your invention.
- You are formally notified of the decision.
We explain the next steps and what the decision means for you in practical terms.
Patent application
If the university claims your invention:
- You work with us and a specialist patent law firm to prepare the patent application.
- Your technical expertise plays an active role in drafting the application.
- The patent application is filed in the university’s name, with you named as the inventor.
We coordinate the entire process to ensure that your invention is professionally protected.
Commercialising your invention
Almost there! You have a say in how your idea creates impact.
- During a strategy meeting, we work with you to develop a suitable commercialisation strategy.
- We generally prepare a technology profile and approach potential commercialisation partners directly.
- Your invention may be commercialised through licensing, a spin-off or other routes.
We help bring your invention into real-world use—with the right partners, realistic options and a focus on lasting impact.
Any Questions About Our IP Services?
Would you like to use our Intellectual Property Services, disclose an invention, or talk to us about your research? Get in touch with us.
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Nutze unsere kostenlose Sprechstunde zu Fragen rund um Intellectual Property (IP) mit den Expert:innen des Triathlon Technology Transfer Offices (TTO).
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