Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property (IP) is information, ideas and inventions in a tangible form.There are numerous types of IP, most of which are protected automatically, or can be protected through an examination process.  Prior use or disclosure of an invention will invalidate a patent application. If an idea may have commercial value and could be patentable always discuss under a Confidentiality Agreement. On collaborative projects always agree in writing who will own any IP arising from the collaboration before commercialisation. 

More about intellectual property
More about agreements
More about commercial projects
About postgraduate and undergraduate intellectual property

Disclosure Procedure

If you have made a discovery or an idea that may have commercial value the first step is to bring it to R&I via a disclosure form.  Information about invention disclosure and the University's patenting can be found here 

IP and Spin Out Policy

If you are interested in forming a spin out company based on an invention contact R&I.  Further information can be found on the Spin Out webpage, the IP and Spin Out Policy; and the Policy for Conflict of Interest.