A patent is more than a property right - it is a bridge between insight and impact.
Dr. Birgit Stelzer
Head of Entrepreneurs Campus
Protecting innovation together
Innovations shape the future. We secure new knowledge and provide the foundation for ideas to achieve global impact. Discover how research transforms into sustainable solutions.
From idea to impact - turning potential into protection
New innovative ideas emerge every day at Ulm University. Many of these ideas not only have scientific value, but also the potential to develop social or economic impact.
A patent can be an important tool in this context: it provides the right to prevent others from exploiting a technical invention, enables further development, and can serve as a foundation for turning an idea into marketable products, processes or services at a later stage.
The Intellectual Property Management team (IP Management team) is here to support you throughout the entire process: from the initial assessment of potential intellectual property rights to exploring how an idea can be applied, commercialised or transferred.
Safeguarding your knowledge requires early action - and we're here to help you turn your ideas into lasting value.
Bringing ideas to life
Inventions are created in very different areas within the University: through strong research, committed teaching and interdisciplinary collaboration - but also in technical services or in the administration. Whenever you solve a problem in a new way or develop a technical approach, you may have created something worth protecting.
We support you in identifying innovation potential early on - through confidential, systematic guidance focused on what truly matters most.
Advantages of an invention
When you disclose your invention to Ulm University, you unlock its full potential and gain access to numerous benefits - regardless of whether you're a professor, postdoc, researcher, student, entrepreneur, or employee:
- Exclusive rights: A patent protects the invention from unauthorised use by third parties.
- Inventor remuneration: You receive 30 % of the income from patent commercialisation. Ulm University also benefits - proceeds support research and education, fostering future innovations.
- Reputation: Your name as an inventor is on the patent. Ulm University gains visibility in emerging fields, attracting new partnerships and talents. Your contribution strengthens our region's innovative power and creates meaningful job opportunities.
- Free of cost for you: Ulm University covers the costs for the application, maintenance and commercialisation of the patent.
We have compiled the most important answers for you in our FAQ.
Protecting inventions
Inventors who are employed at Ulm University are legally obliged to report their employee invention. By notifying us promptly, you protect your invention's novelty - keeping all options open for strong patent application and successful commercialisation.
Please submit your invention disclosure promptly after conception and well before any intended publication.
Invention disclosure and patenting
IP Management is the interface between Ulm University and patent offices, patent lawyers and partner companies for patenting, further development and commercialisation. We handle the administration of the following process steps:
- Invention disclosure: from receiving of the invention disclosure through reviewing of contractual obligations to the securing or releasing of the invention,
- Patent procedure: from drafting of the patent specification to patent application and granting of the patent,
- Commercialisation: from market analysis and licensing to payment of the inventor's remuneration.
Please fill out this form completely to report the invention and send it to us.
Our IP process guide takes you step by step through all the important information.
Bringing innovation into the world
A patent not only protects - it opens up possibilities. After invention disclosure, we examine the protectability of your idea and coordinate the patent application if necessary. The next step is to utilise your idea in various ways: your innovation can create real added value through collaborations, industrial applications or startups.
Whether in the company or in the startup - we guide you in turning your idea into real-world impact.
Commercialisation
Transfer the latest research results to your company and integrate them into your products and services!
Ulm University offers companies a wide range of opportunities to utilise patents and innovations:
- Licensing of patents: Benefit from our portfolio of patented technologies and secure exclusive access rights to the latest innovations.
- Cooperation for technology development: Work with our scientists to further develop patents and adapt them to your specific needs.
If you are interested, please contact us!
The Entrepreneurs Campus at Ulm University will support you:
- Assistance in applying for financial and content-related support.
- Transfer of necessary rights for the commercial exploitation of your invention to you.
- Workshops, seminars and events - perfect for developing your interest and knowledge and for networking with the startup community.
Send your invention disclosure by post to:
Zentrale Unversitätsverwaltung
Dezernat I
Helmholtzstr. 16
89081 Ulm
Note on Communication
Please always CC the Patent Administration mailbox in all written communications with the IP Management Team: erfindungen(at)uni-ulm.de.
Be sure to include the internal reference number provided to you. This will help ensure quick and efficient processing.
IP Management Team
"Your ideas inspire me. I will help you transform them into protected innovations and accompany you on the journey toward recognition, and progress."
Susanne Hörmannsdorfer
IP Management
E-mail: susanne.hoermannsdorfer(at)uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 731 50 24307
"Your ideas have power - we support you in turning them into something great that not only protects, but also inspires and moves."
Dr. Iris Gerken
IP Management
E-mail: iris.gerken(at)uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 731 50 24305
"Our job is to turn intellectual property rights into opportunities - for startups that turn knowledge into impact."
Melanie Kamrath
Startup support
Email: melanie.kamrath@uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 170 3313654
Martin Schulz
IP-Management
E-mail: martin.schulz(at)uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 731 50 22008