What is WiSys and how is it related to the UW System
WiSys is the WiSys Technology Foundation, an independent, nonprofit foundation chartered to support research at the UW System campuses other than Madison. As the designated technology transfer organization for the UW System, WiSys is a separate entity from the UW System but partners closely with it.
Who pays the costs of patenting an invention?
WiSys covers all the costs of patenting an invention. After an invention is licensed, WiSys typically asks the licensee to reimburse these expenses.
Who is eligible to disclose an invention to WiSys and to use WiSys services?
Any employee or student of the UW System may disclose an invention to WiSys.
When will I receive payments once my WiSys technology has been licensed?
The inventor's share of the royalty income is paid out 15 days after the end of the month during which the income was received. Payments are made as a percentage of the gross licensing income returned to WiSys, that is, before patent expenses and other costs are deducted.
What if a collaborator from an institution outside the UW System has contributed to my invention?
WiSys has inter-institutional agreements with many universities, research institutes and other organizations, and could likely negotiate such an agreement with your collaborator's institution. This type of agreement determines which institution would take the lead in patenting and licensing the invention, as well as how any royalty income would be shared.
If I publish a paper or make a presentation on my technology at a meeting, will my invention still be patentable?
After you publish, present or otherwise publicly disclose your invention, you have one year from the first disclosure date to file a U.S. patent. After this anniversary has passed, you lose all U.S. patent rights. For foreign patents, no grace period exists; that is, publication (or any form of public disclosure) of your invention immediately bars you from foreign patent rights.
Does WiSys file foreign patents on inventions?
Yes, WiSys does file foreign patents on inventions, depending on the level of licensing interest, the overall market size and the potential market share for the technology.
