Protect and Develop Your Research Ideas
Support for La Trobe researchers to safeguard intellectual property and turn discoveries into real‑world impact
WHY PROTECTING YOUR IDEA MATTERS
Every research breakthrough - whether a new technology, method, design or creative work - has the potential to create value. Protecting your intellectual property (IP) early ensures you retain options for commercialisation, collaboration and future development. It also helps La Trobe secure the right pathways to translate your work into industry, community and global benefit.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind that can be legally protected. For researchers, this may include:
- Inventions and technologies
- Software and algorithms
- Research data and designs
- Creative works and educational materials
- New processes, formulations or methodologies.
La Trobe provides guidance to help you identify what can be protected and which protection pathway is most appropriate.
WHEN TO DISCLOSE YOUR IDEAS
Early disclosure is essential. If you believe your research output may have commercial, social or industry value, you should contact La Trobe’s Commercialisation team before:
- Publishing results
- Presenting at conferences
- Sharing details with external partners
- Filing grant applications involving external collaborators.
Early engagement ensures your IP can be assessed, protected and developed without limiting future opportunities for yourself.
HOW LA TROBE CAN SUPPORT YOU
Our Commercialisation team works with researchers across all disciplines to:
- Assess the commercial potential of your technology
- Advise on IP protection strategies (e.g., patents, copyright, trade secrets)
- Manage disclosure and documentation
- Connect you with industry partners and investors
- Support licensing, startup creation or collaborative development
- Provide training on IP, entrepreneurship and research translation.
GROWING YOUR IDEA
La Trobe can help you develop your technology further through:
- Investment funding pathways
- Industry co‑development projects
- Access to specialist facilities and innovation precinct
- Mentoring and commercial readiness programs
- Startup and spin‑out support.
YOUR NEXT STEP
If you think your research may have commercial potential - or you’re unsure - reach out to our team for a confidential discussion. We’ll help you understand your options and map the best pathway forward.
Contact La Trobe’s Industry and Commercialisation Team.
Alternatively, attend an Eagleworks Drop-In Session.
Designed for La Trobe staff and researchers, drop-in sessions provide a chance to connect with University teams working in the industry engagement and research space. The sessions are walk-in only, and provide a flexible, informal opportunity for you to connect with experts and gain tailored advice without the need for a formal appointment. For more information and the specific timetable, La Trobe staff and researchers can visit Eagleworks Drop-In Sessions - Intranet