Intellectual Property Protection
Comprehensive protection and management of intellectual property created at Bowie State University
Protecting Your Innovations
The Technology Transfer and Innovation Office at Bowie State University provides comprehensive support for protecting intellectual property created by faculty, staff, and students. We guide you through the entire process of securing legal protection for your innovations.
Our services ensure that your discoveries are properly documented, protected, and positioned for successful commercialization while complying with the University System of Maryland Intellectual Property Policy.
Types of IP Protection
We provide support for various forms of intellectual property protection
Patent protection provides the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention. We assist with:
- •U.S. patent applications
- •International patent protection
- •Patent prosecution and maintenance
- •Patent portfolio management
Copyright protection covers original works of authorship fixed in a tangible form. We provide guidance on:
- •Software and computer programs
- •Literary and educational materials
- •Artistic and musical works
- •Technology-mediated instructional materials
Trademarks protect distinctive words or symbols identifying the source of goods and services:
- •Trademark registration and filing
- •Service marks for services
- •Trade dress protection
- •Brand identity management
Protection for physical embodiments of intellectual effort:
- •Research models and prototypes
- •Biological materials and chemicals
- •Devices and apparatus
- •Research records and data
Additional forms of intellectual property protection:
- •Plant variety protection certificates
- •Mask work registration for semiconductors
- •Trade secret protection strategies
Our office provides comprehensive legal support for IP protection:
- •IP strategy development
- •Freedom to operate analysis
- •IP portfolio management
- •Infringement defense
University Ownership
Under the University System of Maryland Intellectual Property Policy, the University owns intellectual property created:
- •Within Scope of Employment: By personnel within their scope of employment or faculty scholarly work
- •Using University Resources: With the use of university resources beyond those usually and customarily provided
- •Under Sponsored Agreements: Through sponsored research agreements with external funding
- •By Written Agreement: As stated in signed agreements between the university and creators
Creator Ownership
Creators retain ownership of intellectual property when:
- •Outside Scope: Created outside the scope of employment and without university resources
- •Student Work: Undergraduate and non-degree students own their creations unless subject to other provisions
- •Traditional Scholarly Works: Faculty retain copyright for traditional academic publications and scholarly works
Note: When uncertain about ownership rights, personnel and students should disclose their innovations to the TTIO for evaluation and guidance.
The Protection Process
Our step-by-step approach to securing intellectual property protection
Submit your invention disclosure form to TTIO. Provide complete details about your innovation, conception date, and development status.
TTIO conducts patent searches, market analysis, and assesses commercial potential to determine the best protection strategy.
File patent applications, copyright registrations, or trademark applications with appropriate agencies (USPTO, Copyright Office, etc.).
Manage the prosecution process, respond to office actions, and maintain granted IP rights through timely fee payments and renewals.