Dear UC ANR Colleagues,
As part of our mission to ensure that the discoveries and innovations emerging from UC ANR research and outreach continue to benefit the people of California and beyond, we are strengthening our infrastructure for intellectual property (IP) management and technology transfer. This initiative is a cornerstone of our evolving innovation ecosystem, which includes the launch of the UC ANR Innovate Statewide Program led by Chief Innovation Officer Gabriel Youtsey.
Importantly, UC ANR is now an inaugural signatory and official participant in the UC Intellectual Property Management System — a milestone that positions us as a full partner in the University of California’s systemwide innovation and commercialization efforts.
How This Will Benefit Our People & Our Communities
For the first time, UC ANR has a formal process to identify and protect innovations—including inventions, software, data systems, curricula, mobile apps and more. Protecting intellectual property is how we ensure public-funded research remains a public good. It enables us to control how our work is used, ensure it is shared responsibly, and extend its positive impact across communities, industries, and institutions.
This doesn’t just support commercialization — it helps us keep publicly funded innovations accessible, shareable and used in ways that align with our mission. Whether through open access, licensing, partnerships or startups, safeguarding IP helps us turn great ideas into real-world solutions.
A New Centralized Process for IP Disclosure
We’ve launched a unified process for disclosing new IP developed through UC ANR programs. This is the essential first step to explore how your work can be protected, shared or translated into broader use.
What You Should Know
- What is IP protection?
Protecting IP means securing legal rights for your innovations — like patents or copyrights — so they can be responsibly managed, whether through open sharing, licensing, or commercialization. - What does ‘disclosure’ mean?
The term disclosure refers to the act of making something known or public that was previously secret or private. It can also be described as the process of revealing or uncovering information. In legal contexts, it often involves the delivery of documents or information to support legal proceedings. - What can be disclosed?
If you’ve developed anything new, useful, or widely applicable in the course of your work — including apps, methods, designs, publications or tools — it may qualify. - Who owns it? Will I benefit?
The University of California generally holds ownership, but per UC policy, inventors may share in revenue from licensed innovations along with their program/unit and UC ANR. - Is this only about commercialization?
No. While commercialization is one path, disclosure also supports public distribution, extension, and open-access models. This process helps us make smart choices about how to share and scale our work for the greatest benefit. - Can I get help?
Absolutely. Our innovation team is here to support you. Contact us at ANRTechTransfer@ucanr.edu if you have questions or want to discuss your work before submitting.
How to Disclose Your Innovation
- Download the UC ANR Intellectual Property Disclosure Form
- Complete and sign it
- Email it to ANRTechTransfer@ucanr.edu
- Please also copy William Decker at UCOP at william.decker@ucop.edu to help facilitate review.
Save the Date: Fall 2025 Webinar
We’ll be hosting a webinar in September 2025 to walk through the IP disclosure process, answer your questions, and highlight how UC ANR Innovate can support your work. Whether you’re just curious or ready to disclose your first innovation, this informal session will provide practical guidance and connect you with resources. Stay tuned for registration details in the coming weeks.
Thank you for continuing to lead in research, extension and public service!
With appreciation, Glenda
Glenda Humiston
Vice President
