4 INL has established a full technology transfer system to manage IP from the research planning stage to commercial product. Research Planning Intellectual property and technology transfer should be consid- ered during the research planning phase. Understanding the market, IP of others and INL’s commercialization strategy during the planning phase can guide how research is conducted to achieve maximum impact. Depending on the circumstances, Technology Deployment can assist in evaluating the novelty of ideas (performing a prior art search), researching potential collaborators, obtaining market feedback on the value of ideas or exploring possible competitors. When working with non-INL entities, it is very important to ensure agreements with such parties provide INL with the IP rights needed to continue the research and deploy the technology. For example, INL’s standard subcontracting terms often only grant the laboratory the right to use software that a subcontractor develops for internal purposes and may not allow INL to transfer software to others. Researchers and managers should work closely with their CM to ensure the correct use of IP terms in subcon- tracts and cooperative agreements with third parties. Research and Development Observations and experiments during research activities often lead to discoveries and inventions. It is important that researchers develop the ability to recognize inventions that might be patentable and record them as they occur. Disclosure BEA’s employment contract requires employees to disclose new inventions. An invention should always be made known to TD before any public enabling disclosure to allow TD time to take The Basics of INL Technology Transfer Research Planning Research & Development Disclosure Assessment Patenting Decision Marketing Licensing Defining invention: any new useful process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, or any unique or useful improvement of the same