Most funding sources, including the federal government, require that inventions be reported both to the University and sponsor. If a Principal Investigator thinks they may have made an invention or discovery that might have commercial potential, the inventor should report it to the Office of Technology Development (OTD), using the Report of Innovation form. The Report of Innovation provides the information that OTD needs to evaluate the invention or discovery and determine whether patenting is appropriate.
Additional information for inventors within the Harvard community can be found on the Office of Technology Development's website, including an overview of technology transfer at Harvard, relevant University policies, how to report an invention and information on material transfers.
Responsibility for Patent Reporting
OSP and Departments have shared responsibility in completing necessary invention/patent reporting.
- The Department monitors the project during its lifecycle and confirms with the PI during close-out whether or not any inventions have been reported or need to be reported.
- The OSP Awards Management team follows up with OTD to confirm the information provided by the Department and PI.
- The OSP Awards Management team completes and submits patent reports, including negative reports, to the sponsor.