Intellectual Property
Establishing rights to intellectual property (IP), such as inventions and copyrights, is important both to the University and the inventing party, regardless of whether the inventor is a faculty member, staff member, or student. The WPI Intellectual Property Policy was developed for the purpose of setting forth the rights and obligations of the University and its employees when intellectual property is created.
When the Office of Research Administration (ORA) engages in negotiations with potential sponsors, the starting point for discussions is that WPI will own all intellectual property created under sponsored agreements. The basic reason for this position is that the University must retain control over the IP in order to ensure its continued use for research and educational purposes and maximize the potential financial return for both WPI and the inventor in accordance with the University's Intellectual Property Policy.
The University's rights to the intellectual property it creates is protected by law under most federally sponsored agreements. Such is not the case when dealing with industry. Many companies insist on owning any inventions created with the funds they provide because their sponsorship is viewed as a fee for service arrangement. When this happens, negotiations can become difficult and often result in either a lengthy delay in finalizing an agreement or having to decline funding all together. At a minimum, the University will insist on maintaining the ability to use the intellectual property for internal research and educational purposes, while retaining some financial interest in any royalties that may result.
If you are involved in sponsored programs, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the WPI Intellectual Property Policy so that you understand your rights and obligations as a University employee. The Invention Disclosure Procedure, which incorporates an online Invention Disclosure Form, should be followed whenever an invention is recognized.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: September 04, 2007 15:04:32