IP Protection for Technology Transfer Offices: Protect Inventions Before the Patent Decision
TTOs face a constant challenge: protecting valuable research while managing limited resources. Blockchain timestamps provide immediate, court-ready protection for every disclosure—giving you time to make informed patent decisions.
Key Takeaway
Every TTO receives more invention disclosures than they can patent. Blockchain timestamps protect the 70-80% of inventions that won't get patents—preserving their commercial value as trade secrets and prior art defense.
The Technology Transfer Paradox
Technology Transfer Offices sit at a critical junction: they receive valuable research outputs but lack the resources to patent everything. The average UK university TTO receives 100-300 invention disclosures annually but can only afford to file patents on 15-25% of them.
This creates a protection gap. Inventions that don't get patents are often left unprotected, losing their commercial potential when researchers publish or present their work.
The Numbers Tell the Story
During evaluation, researchers continue working—sharing at conferences, submitting papers, collaborating with industry. Each exposure without protection is a risk.
How Blockchain Timestamps Fit TTO Workflows
Blockchain timestamps don't replace patents—they complement your existing process. Here's how they integrate into typical TTO operations:
At Disclosure Receipt
When an invention disclosure arrives, timestamp it immediately. This creates a permanent record of what was disclosed and when—protecting the invention from day one, regardless of how long evaluation takes.
During Evaluation
As you assess commercial potential and patentability, the inventor can continue their work with protection in place. Present at conferences, share with collaborators, submit to journals—all with proof of prior creation.
Patent Decision
If you patent, the timestamp provides documented conception date. If you don't patent, the invention retains value as a protected trade secret or prior art—not lost to the public domain.
Industry Licensing
When negotiating with industry partners, timestamped IP demonstrates professionalism and clear ownership. It simplifies due diligence and accelerates deal timelines.
Real TTO Applications
Disclosure Backlog Protection
A Russell Group university TTO receives 200+ disclosures yearly. By timestamping each disclosure on receipt, they protect inventions during the 6-month evaluation queue—even when researchers publish before the patent decision is made.
Spinout Pre-Formation
Before a spinout is formed, IP ownership can be unclear. Timestamps establish what IP existed when, making founder contributions clear and investor due diligence straightforward.
Prior Art Portfolio
Inventions that don't get patented become prior art—potentially blocking competitors from patenting similar solutions. Timestamped records create a defensive IP portfolio at minimal cost.
Collaborative Research Protection
Multi-institution projects create IP ownership complexity. Timestamping each partner's contributions before collaboration begins prevents disputes when results are commercialised.
Benefits for Your TTO
Instant Protection
Protect disclosures in seconds, not months. No waiting for patent office processing or legal review.
Cost Efficiency
Protect all disclosures for a fraction of a single patent filing. Stretch your IP budget across your entire portfolio.
Legal Recognition
Court-ready evidence accepted in UK, EU, and US jurisdictions. Provides the documentation you need if disputes arise.
Team Workspace
Multiple TTO staff can manage protected IP. Track disclosures, generate certificates, and share access with stakeholders.
Getting Started with Your TTO
Pilot Program
Start with a subset of disclosures. See how timestamps integrate with your existing workflow before full rollout.
Workflow Integration
Embed timestamping into your disclosure process. Most TTOs add it as a step immediately after disclosure receipt.
Researcher Training
Train researchers to timestamp their work before sharing. This extends protection earlier in the research lifecycle.
Portfolio Management
Build a comprehensive protected IP portfolio. Track all university inventions—patented and unpatented—in one system.
Common TTO Questions
How does this differ from patent protection?
Patents grant exclusive rights to an invention. Timestamps prove when you possessed information, supporting priority claims, trade secret protection, and prior art defense. They complement patents rather than replace them.
Will this affect our patent filing strategy?
No. Timestamping doesn't constitute public disclosure. You maintain full freedom to file patents later. In fact, timestamps strengthen patent applications by documenting conception dates.
Can we use this for collaborative research agreements?
Yes. Timestamping each party's contributions before collaboration creates clear records for IP allocation. This simplifies negotiations and reduces disputes.
How do we manage access across our team?
immut provides team workspaces with role-based access. TTO staff can manage protected IP while controlling what inventors and external partners can see.
Related Resources
Related Guides
See How immut Fits Your TTO
Schedule a call to discuss your disclosure volume, current challenges, and how blockchain timestamps can enhance your IP protection strategy.
Universities receive special institutional pricing
About immut: immut provides blockchain-based intellectual property protection for researchers, universities, and businesses. Our platform creates permanent, court-ready proof of creation in seconds. Learn more at immut.io.