The Commercialization Process

The technology commercialization process begins with the UNM inventor disclosing an invention in writing by submitting an invention disclosure form (IDF). There are two ways to submit an IDF; the preferred method is via UNM Rainforest Innovations’ online invention disclosure portal called Sophia, and the alternative is by submitting a paper (hard-copy) IDF. In either form, the inventor is submitting it to the Office of University Counsel and to UNM Rainforest Innovations. Each method is discussed in detail below:

• Submitting a Disclosure via the Sophia System
  • Inventors start by logging into the Sophia system found at this link: https://unm.wellspringsoftware.net/kms/. From there, inventors log-in using their existing UNM NET ID and corresponding password. If you do not have a UNM NET ID and password, please contact UNM Rainforest Innovations for assistance.
  • The online IDF system walks inventors through the disclosure process by asking questions related to the lead inventor and other co-inventors, dates of conception of the invention, funding sources, and details of any past or pending public disclosures. It also asks for a short summary of the invention and a complete description of the invention, which can be provided in the form of attached documents.
  • Any supporting documents (manuscripts, publications, posters, write-ups, summaries, images, etc.) and all related grants or funding documents should be uploaded through the system and attached to the disclosure in the supporting files section.
  • Once the IDF is complete, UNM Rainforest Innovations will contact all of the inventors to arrange for collecting dated signatures of all inventors, dated signatures of witnesses who understand the invention, and the dated signature of the department chair.
• Submitting a Disclosure via a paper (hard-copy) Invention Disclosure Form
  • Depending on the type of disclosure, i.e. invention or copyright, Inventors start by downloading the disclosure form by clicking on the appropriate link on the right side of this page.
  • The lead inventor should fill out the IDF form in its entirety. This include filling out all sections 1-6 including information on the lead inventor and other co-inventors, dates of conception of the invention, funding sources, and details of any past or pending public disclosures. It also asks for a short summary of the invention and a complete description of the invention, which can be provided in the form of attached documents.
  • Any supporting documents (manuscripts, publications, posters, write-ups, summaries, images, etc.) and all related grants or funding documents should be attached to the disclosure when submitted. Digital versions of the supporting files will be requested later by UNM Rainforest Innovations staff.
  • Once the IDF is complete, the lead inventor may submit it without signatures and UNM Rainforest Innovations will work to gather the necessary signatures after receipt of the disclosure. If preferred, the inventors may coordinate and gather the necessary signatures on the document including the dated signatures of all inventors, dated signatures of witnesses who understand the invention, and the dated signature of the department chair. Additionally, the IDF requires that each inventor sign and have notarized an assignment of rights page at the end of the IDF form; the inventors name and address and the title of the invention must be added to each assignment form before it is signed and notarized.
  • The hard-copy IDF can be submitted in the following ways:
    • Via e-mail to UNM Rainforest Innovations’ Disclosures and Agreements Coordinator
    • Via Postal Mail to STC (Lobo Rainforest Building, 101 Broadway Blvd NE, Suite 1100, Albuquerque, NM 87102)
    • Via UNM’s intercampus mail system (UNM MS 04 2750)

This information submitted in the Invention Disclosure Form and related files are then used to develop a patent application and marketing/commercialization materials.

Step 2: Evaluation

The completed invention disclosure form (IDF) is reviewed by UNM Rainforest Innovations to ensure the completeness of the invention description and for evaluation of the technology for intellectual property protection. UNM Rainforest Innovations may request additional information from the inventors to fully understand the disclosed invention. The evaluation of the disclosed idea includes the protectability and commercial potential.