Maximizing the Impact of Your Invention Disclosure

In this session, we’ll break down the steps to craft a high-quality invention disclosure. You’ll learn what information to include, how to avoid common pitfalls, and why a well-developed disclosure is vital for satisfying sponsor requirements and protecting the intellectual property. Submitting a thorough disclosure can make the IP protection process faster and easier, and help your research discoveries reach maximum impact. Whether you’re new to the disclosure submission process or just want a refresher, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to disclose your innovations effectively.

About the Speakers

Jodie Richardson: As part of the Senior Management Team at MIT’s Technology Licensing Office, Jodie leads a variety of administrative areas, including funding compliance, data management, metrics/reporting, human resources, hiring & retention strategy, information technology, facilities management, and overall operations. She began her career at the University of Nebraska's tech transfer office, NUtech Ventures, before spending several years at the University of Michigan where she built a successful compliance and data management team. Jodie is passionate about tech transfer, the Bayh-Dole Act, strategy development, process improvement, and DEI. Jodie is also an active member of AUTM, where she serves as Chair of the Compliance Course as part of the AUTM University Planning Committee and serves on the Annual Meeting Planning Committee.

Lauren Foster: Since 2006 Lauren has led the life sciences licensing team at the TLO focused on the strategic management and commercialization of technologies in the biomedical, biotechnology, and medical device fields, which includes development of intellectual property, licensing and research collaborations. Prior to joining MIT, Lauren worked at a publicly traded biotechnology company, where she played an integral role in envisioning and implementing the company’s business, intellectual property and technology strategies. Lauren was also a technical specialist at an intellectual property law firm where she focused on strategic development of intellectual property rights for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and universities.
Ms. Foster holds a D.Sc. from Harvard University and a B.S. from Haverford College and is a registered Patent Agent.

Carmen Atkins: Before joining the TLO, Carmen worked in the Innovation Partnerships office at the University of Michigan for nearly 17 years; most recently as the Data Integrity Specialist managing new disclosure intake, overall data management, assisting with iEdison clean-up projects and more. Before moving into that position, she was the Assistant to the Associate Vice President of the department. Carmen earned her Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education and Health Promotion from Western Michigan University.