Working with TCO

As a university-specific resource, our mission is to be a trusted advisory to the USC community, regarding innovation and intellectual property (IP). TCO is responsible for all matters relatings to patents, trademarks, and copyrights related to the identification, protection, and commercialization of university-owned works and inventions. TCO represents the university in the implementation of USC's intellectual property policy with regard to governmental entities, industry, and the public. 

 

Intellectual Property Protection

TCO partners with intellectual property attorneys who have expertise across all research and academic disciplines. We pair each researcher and innovation with an attorney whose technical background aligns with the nature of the disclosure. This process facilitates a deeper understanding of the innovation and supports the development of a strong, well‑informed IP protection strategy.

Under USC IP Policy, faculty, staff, and students are required to disclose intellectual property to TCO. For more information, please review the ACAF 1.33.