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Introduction

Intellectual property (IP) is the term used to describe the outputs of creative endeavour in literary, artistic, industrial, scientific and engineering fields that can be protected under legislation.  In the University context this can be considered broadly as research results, for example the results of your research project.

As the creator or generator of IP you are considered to be an inventor and have rights to be recognised as such.  Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), eg patents, copyright, etc, are the way by which IP can be protected and give legal recognition to the ownership of intellectual property, which is different from inventorship.

University IP policy

The University IP policy for students.

Undergraduate and Masters students

As an undergraduate student or a postgraduate student on a taught masters programme, you own the IP you create in addition to being the inventor.  This is because the law sees you as a customer of the University rather than an employee.

Postgraduate research students

If you are a postgraduate student on a research project, then ownership of the IP will be determined by the terms of the agreement between the University and the provider of your research project funding.  Usually the University will own the IP but if the funding is being provided from industry then that company may own the IP.  When accepting a place as a postgraduate student, the University requires that you agree to the University owning the IP you invent.  This is called an assignment and does not affect your rights as a potential inventor.  The University needs to ask you to do this so it is able to comply with the terms of research funding agreements.

IP exploitation

RED is able to manage and commercialise IP and can provide expert help and advice in exploiting your idea.  If you would like to discuss opportunities for commercialising an invention, please contact our Technology Transfer team.