Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as artistic works, discoveries, innovations, and inventions.

Intellectual property rights may be secured under patent, copyright, trademark, or trade secret laws.

There is no definitive timeline. The transfer process depends on a variety of factors including the stage of development for the innovation, market need, impact of competitors, and the resources and time required to bring an innovation to a market-ready status. It can take months to years.

Researchers at the university are first owners of the intellectual property created in their work in accordance with the University of Calgary's Intellectual Property Policy. 

A disclosure is a written description of your innovation. The submission of a disclosure begins the formal commercialization process.