The University has a Patent Policy that clearly states the rights and obligations of the inventor, the University, and outside sponsors who have contributed toward an invention. Every member of the University community is expected to read, understand, and comply with this policy. Copies are available from the Vice Provost for Research, who administers the policy; the complete version also appears in the Research Policies and Procedures Guide.
Every invention, or patentable discovery, made by a faculty or staff member or by a student must be reported to the Vice Provost for Research, who will arrange to evaluate the invention or discovery under the terms of the policy. Faculty members are responsible for insuring that students, postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and technicians working under their direction comply with the terms of the policy. The Office of Research provides advice and guidance on patents.
