Patent Attorney and Founder
I am the main inventor on a patent my university has filed.
I expect to leave the university within six months due to funding.
I plan to continue working on the technology after I leave.
The university will own the patent.
That is standard.
In most cases, inventors do not get free use rights.
The university likely paid your salary.
They also provided equipment and facilities.
Because of this, they usually own the invention.
Universities manage this through a technology transfer office.
This office handles licensing and commercialization.
You should contact them before leaving.
Some universities allow inventors to keep developing the work.
This often requires a license.
A royalty or revenue share may apply.
Free use rights are uncommon in patent law.
Ownership controls who can use the invention.
This differs from copyright practices.
Universities are often open to negotiation.
Businesses are usually not.
However, terms must be agreed to in advance.
Do not sell or commercialize the technology before an agreement.
Get everything in writing before you leave.
Early discussion reduces legal and financial risk.
Last question: should a record label name be trademarked now?
It can wait.
But waiting has risks.
New trademarks are filed every day.
Another party could file first.
That could block your use later.
If the name matters, file early.
Early filing reduces future problems.