Inventor Consultations

In our individual invention consulting, we will be happy to answer this question for you and plan the next steps on the way to innovation together with you. Together, we analyze your technology to determine whether and to what extent it involves IP (intellectual property). In addition, we discuss optimal IP rights and exploitation channels.

All members of the RWTH or UKA can obtain information exclusively in a non-binding meeting before the patenting clock with all its deadlines is set in motion with a written invention disclosure. Until then, the invention should be kept secret. Even a conversation with a person who does not belong to the university may be considered "prejudicial to novelty" and thus stand in the way of patenting the invention. In the case of a start-up idea based on RWTH-IP (e.g. arising in the context of a thesis or a research project), an invention consultation is generally necessary.

In the course of our invention consulting, you can discuss your technology at your leisure and receive initial feedback on patenting and exploitation opportunities through discussion with our innovation management team.  We then discuss with you topics such as

• Formal requirements for an invention disclosure,
• Raising awareness to hazards and avoidable errors,
• Options for further development and affordability,
• Patenting strategies and regulations at home and abroad,
• Paths for inventors, professors and universities to the best possible uses,
• IP-related questions, including planned technology spin-offs, and
• Legal framework.
  
  If the technology is software (computer program), other specific aspects must also be considered and clarified in advance. 
  Further Information can be found in our Guidelines.