Processes, systems, methods of operation, concepts, principles and discoveries qualify for patent protection. Unlike copyright protection, to claim patent protection in an invention, you must apply for and receive a patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office. To qualify for patent protection your idea must be novel, useful and original. Patent filings for inventions developed at Georgia Tech are handled by outside attorneys through the Office of Industry Engagement in GTRC. If you have an invention that you think might qualify for patent protection, contact the Office of Technology Licensing for further information.