THE CENTER FOR RESEARCH INNOVATION
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) FAQs
What is an invention?
An invention is any new and useful process, machine, composition of matter, or improvement thereof. Inventions can be protected by patents, which provide the right to prevent others from making, using, or selling the invention without permission.
What is CRI?
The Center for Research Innovation (CRI) is Northeastern University’s technology transfer office. We help faculty protect, manage, and commercialize intellectual property—bridging research and real-world impact.
What do I need to disclose—and when?
If your invention was developed using university resources, funding, or within the scope of your role, Northeastern policy requires disclosure to CRI.
Best practice: Disclose before publishing, presenting, or publicly sharing your work.
Why is early disclosure important?
Public disclosure (e.g., publications, conference presentations, posters, or online posts) can limit or eliminate your ability to secure patent protection—especially internationally.
Early disclosure ensures we can properly assess and protect your work.
What counts as public disclosure?
- Journal articles or preprints
- Conference presentations or posters
- Theses (if publicly available)
- Conversations with external parties without confidentiality protections
Even a single external disclosure can impact patent rights.
Can I present my work internally?
Generally yes—if all participants are Northeastern employees.
If external collaborators, sponsors, or visitors are present, it may be considered public disclosure. When in doubt, consult CRI.
What happens after I submit a disclosure?
CRI will:
- Review your invention
- Assess patentability and market potential
- Determine a protection strategy
- Recommend whether to pursue patenting
We may also begin early commercialization outreach.
What if CRI decides to file a patent?
- Northeastern covers all patent-related costs
- You will work with external patent counsel to refine the application
- Filing can typically occur within weeks, depending on readiness
Will filing a patent delay my publication?
No. Patent applications can be filed quickly and are designed to align with publication timelines.
Once filed, you are free to publish.
How long does patent protection take?
Patent prosecution typically takes 4–6 years, though protection begins at the time of filing.
Who owns my invention?
Under Northeastern policy:
- The university typically owns IP developed using university resources or within your role
- Inventors are always credited and share in any resulting revenue
What types of IP can be protected?
Depending on the innovation, CRI may pursue:
- Patents (for inventions)
- Copyrights (for software, reports, media)
- Trade secrets (for confidential know-how)
What is not protectable?
- Abstract ideas without a defined application
- Natural discoveries without a specific use
Protectable IP generally requires a clear, functional implementation.