Working with TCO

As a university-specific resource, our mission is to be a trusted advisory to the USC community, regarding innovation and intellectual property (IP). TCO is responsible for all matters relatings to patents, trademarks, and copyrights related to the identification, protection, and commercialization of university-owned works and inventions. TCO represents the university in the implementation of USC's intellectual property policy with regard to governmental entities, industry, and the public. 

 

Intellectual Property Protection

TCO partners with intellectual property attorneys who have expertise across all research and academic disciplines. We pair each researcher and innovation with an attorney whose technical background aligns with the nature of the disclosure. This process facilitates a deeper understanding of the innovation and supports the development of a strong, well‑informed IP protection strategy.

Our goal is to license USC technologies and to move your research into the marketplace. Success to us is the social impact for our community and a financial return to you and the University as a result of your innovative work.

Under the University of South Carolina’s IP Policy, faculty and staff should disclose all intellectual property created using University resources to the TCO. The University pays for all patent costs for protecting USC-created intellectual property. USC has a generous revenue-sharing model in which the inventor receives 40% of revenue generated by licensed technology. The inventor’s home college and department also share in the revenues.

 

Confidentiality is key

From conception to publication, confidentiality is key to safeguarding the patentability of your research. Disclose your invention to us as early as possible, prior to public announcements in forums such as conferences, seminars, journal articles, and lectures as these methods may jeopardize your intellectual property rights. We will work with you to file for provisional patent protection so that you may share the results of our research quickly without worry.

Before engaging in conversation with others outside of the University, contact TCO. We will also put in place a confidentiality agreement or material transfer agreement to protect your proprietary information so that you and your outside colleagues may freely exchange proprietary information or materials without worrying about harming intellectual property rights.