THE CENTER FOR RESEARCH INNOVATION
NEW FACULTY INVENTION DISCLOSURE
We are excited to welcome a remarkable group of educators and researchers who will actively further Northeastern University’s mission of impact through innovation while shaping a cohort of future leaders through experiential education.
PARTNER WITH COMMERCIALIZATION
- Invention protection (Patent & Copyright)
- Commercialization through licensing
- Venture development programs
- Research collaboration support
- IP policy/Conflicts of interest/Compliance
DISCLOSE PREVIOUS RESEARCH
- Inventions
- Software
- Agreements related to ongoing research
If you are transferring from another institution, please complete our intake form:
INVENTOR FAQs
What is CRI?
CRI (Center for Research Innovation) is the university’s tech transfer office. We help protect, manage, and commercialize the intellectual property created by our faculty, researchers, and students. Think of us as the bridge between your lab and the real world.
What does a tech transfer office do?
We evaluate inventions, file patents, register copyrights, negotiate licenses, and support startups. Our goal? To turn great ideas into real-world impact—and make sure you get credit and support along the way.
What’s a patent?
A patent protects inventions—like a new cancer drug, a solar-harvesting window coating, or a smart sensor system. If it’s new, useful, and not obvious, we may be able to patent it and prevent others from using it without a license.
What does copyright protect?
Copyright protects creative works—like software, written reports, infographics, videos, or datasets. It applies automatically, but registering it can give you even more rights.
How do we protect your work?
Say you’ve developed a breakthrough machine-learning model. We’ll help determine if it’s patentable, copyrightable, or should be kept as a trade secret—and handle the protection strategy.
What kind of deals can come from IP?
Your invention might be licensed to a company—or become the basis of a startup. We help set up the legal agreements so your innovation can generate impact (and revenue).
Is it ever too late to file a patent?
If you’ve published, presented, or posted online, the clock is ticking. In the U.S., you have 12 months to file a patent. In many countries, you get no second chance. Talk to us early!
Why disclose to us?
Disclosing your invention means telling us what you created before you publish or present. That’s step one in protecting it and exploring paths to commercialization.
What happens after I disclose?
We review your disclosure, follow up with questions, and decide whether to file for protection. We may also explore licensing, marketing, or startup support.
Do I own my invention?
If it was developed using university resources, the university likely owns the IP—but you’ll always be listed as the inventor and share in potential revenue.
What’s not protectable?
A raw idea—like “AI but for plants”—isn’t enough. We need a working method, design, or application. Also, natural discoveries (like finding a new gene) aren’t patentable unless there’s a specific use.