Invention disclosures received by the Legal department as the authorized body of MHH are forwarded to Ascenion GmbH for a technical opinion. As a patent management agency specializing in the life sciences, Ascenion GmbH supports MHH in numerous technology transfer issues.

The findings and new approaches created are analyzed with regard to their patentability (in particular: patentability) and the prospects of commercial exploitation. On the basis of this assessment, MHH then decides whether a patent application should be filed. If this is the case, the further process is also accompanied by experienced patent attorneys. All costs incurred for service inventions are borne by MHH! There is a great advantage for the inventors: they are not involved in bearing the costs. Nevertheless, they are legally entitled to a share of 30% of any gross income from the exploitation of the invention.

All MHH employees are legally obliged to report inventions that are related to their work or experience. The only exception is the so-called "negative freedom of publication". It is only if a university inventor would prefer to keep an invention completely secret for ethical reasons, for example, that there would be no obligation to report it. In this case, however, no other publication would be permitted. All inventions which, in the opinion of the inventor, are not related to work or work experience must always be reported to the employer in order to enable the employer to review them.

To simplify matters, an invention disclosure form is available. Please send this to the Administrative Unit Legal OE 0400 as the responsible office. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time. In addition, direct communication with Ascenion GmbH is useful in advance of a formal invention disclosure so that you can receive an initial assessment if necessary. Important: Of course, all information exchanged will be treated confidentially at all times! The employees of Ascenion GmbH are also legally bound to absolute confidentiality.