Disclosing an invention to the General Counsel

This section describes the steps to be taken when an invention is conceived or put into practice that needs to be disclosed to the General Counsel at the VA Central Office.

You should file a disclosure if

• You are a full-time or part-time employee of the VA or a consultant to the VA and the lead investigator(s) concerned with the invention.

and

• The invention is related to your VA work and was made during official working hours, or the invention bears a direct relation to your duties or was made as a consequence of those duties.

or

• The VA made some contribution by the VA of

  - facilities

  - equipment

  - materials

  - funds

  - technical information

  - time or services of VA staff on duty, either you or others.

If these criteria fit in your case, complete a Certification form. See the Transfer Officer if you would like assistance.

Remember:

• The disclosure of an invention is not optional within the VA. It is a necessary precondition to filing for a patent.
  
  
• It does not matter if others outside the VA were co-inventors.
  
  
• The disclosure form will be handled with confidence, and no licensing options are precluded by filing.

Investigator

Transfer Officer

Center Director