In submitting a product, process, or service idea to the contest, the applicant will give B.I.G.* Competition and its judges all rights necessary or convenient for judging. B.I.G.* Competition and contest judges will be immune from all claims of infringement and misappropriation arising from submissions. B.I.G.* Competition will administer and oversee the judging process.

In addition to your submission and the process described, your product, process, or service will be publicly accessible on the B.I.G.* Competition website. If your idea is judged and named a finalist, your submission will be described in news releases. Applicants are encouraged to pursue intellectual property protection (i.e., patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets) prior to submitting an application. While B.I.G.* Competition and its partners and sponsors can provide general economic development guidelines on intellectual property protection processes, qualified attorneys should be retained for formal patent researching, writing and submission. For intellectual property assistance, go to http://uspto.gov/.

Application ideas may not contain content that B.I.G.* Competition in their sole discretion deems offensive or inappropriate for public display, such as vulgarity, pornography or anything overtly political.

Participants are limited to a single entry related to a single idea for the duration of this competition. The submission must be the creation of and be solely owned by the applicant. The use and modification of a third party’s pre-existing work without express written consent constitutes an ineligible concept. Submissions cannot defame or invade publicity rights.

Submissions not complying with all rules are subject to disqualification. By entering, participants release and hold harmless B.I.G.* Competition and their respective partners and sponsors as well as prize suppliers and agents from any and all liability for any injuries, loss or damage of any kind arising from or in connection with the contest, the use of any submission, or the acceptance or use of any prize won unless prohibited by law.

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about physical access, please contact the Business Office at 814-375-4710, in advance of your participation or visit.