Intellectual Property |
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WaikatoLink is responsible for managing Intellectual Property (IP) within the University, which has potential to be commercialised.
The work is primarily undertaken by the Intellectual Property Manager, and includes: educating university personnel, reviewing disclosures, obtaining intellectual property protection, drafting and reviewing agreements associated with spin out companies and assessment of IP protection.
What is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual property is a term which refers to the ownership of an intangible thing - the innovative idea behind new technology, products, processes, designs or plant varieties, and other intangible things such as trade secrets, goodwill and trade marks. Although intangible, the law recognises intellectual property as a form of property which can be sold, licensed, damaged or trespassed upon. It is important that both the scope and ownership of intellectual property are clearly defined to enable the legal rights of the owner to be enforced. At the same time people need to know just how far they can go before they overstep the boundaries and infringe the Intellectual Property rights of others. This is made possible with patents, design registrations, trade mark registrations, plant variety rights and copyright protection - all of which have a definable scope and duration.
(© James & Wells 2006)
IP Ownership
Intellectual Property Rights Policy
Policy on Sharing of Benefits from Commercialisation of Intellectual Property (staff login required)