Understanding Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property is a term that encompasses all forms of creativity that are protected either under statutes or by common law. It includes inventions, discoveries, know-how, show-how, processes, unique materials, copyrightable works, original data and other creative or artistic works.
Intellectual Property (IP) also includes the physical embodiment of intellectual effort. For example, IP can be models, machines, devices, apparatus, instrumentation, circuits, computer programs and visualizations, biological materials, chemicals, other compositions of matter, plans and records of research.
Some IP is protected by statute or legislation, such as patent, copyright, trademark, service mark, mask work or by plant variety protection certificate and confidentiality agreements. Often a specific technology is protected using multiple mechanisms. For example, some computer software can be protected by copyright, patent, trade secret, trademark, and contracts.
Inventor's Handbook
An introduction to the University’s intellectual property policies, patenting and commercialization services, intellectual property fundamentals, and most importantly, to your role in the process of commercializing University innovations. Download the pdf.
Policies
Consult these policies on intellectual property and compliance while conducting your research. Read more.
Patents
How do you know you have a patentable invention? Read more.
Copyright
What materials are protected by the federal copyright act? Read more.
For students, to read "A Student's Guide to Copyright and Fair Use" click here.
Start-Ups Licensing Guide
Licensing University technology into a pre-funding or early stage company (“Start-Up Company”). This process follows the OTM’s internal technology screening process. Read more.