4.13　Intellectual Property

Intellectual property may be a source of revenue to support the education and research mission of the University [Link:14]. In recognition of this, the University requires disclosure to the University when information and developments derived from research may be of broader benefit or/and have commercial value. The Technology Licensing Section provides support in identifying and evaluating potential intellectual property, manages the preparation of patent applications, and monitors the effective use of such properties. Nondisclosure and Confidentiality Agreements raise significant concerns as the terms of such agreements may conflict with the University’s Openness in Research Policy. A contractual commitment to keep information secret can severely restrict the ability of University faculty to pursue research in the manner they choose and can make it difficult for the University to protect the ideas and inventions derived from the work of the faculty and researchers.

It is forbidden to sign or otherwise bind the University to a confidentiality obligation without first having obtained written approval from the General Counsel. Those seeking an in-depth review of this subject relating to the University’s activities, please see Chapter 14, “Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer”.