The University of Memphis' policy on intellectual property clearly delineates the university’s rules, regulations, and administrative procedures regarding intellectual property arising out of research at or associated with the university. [1] All faculty, staff, student employees, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows, as well as non-employees who participate or intend to participate in teaching, research, or scholarship projects at the UofM, are bound by this policy. The university's policy on intellectual property complies with the Tennessee Board of Regents intellectual property policies. [2]
The intent of the policy is fourfold: to encourage free and creative expression or exchange of ideas and content; to preserve traditional university practices and privileges with respect to publication of scholarly works; to establish principles and procedures for sharing income derived from copyrightable materials, patentable inventions, and other intellectual property produced at the university; and to protect the university's assets and imprimatur.
The policy clearly defines works considered to be institutional property. Traditional scholarly works not specifically funded by the institution fall outside of this category. A schedule of revenue sharing with the author/inventor is established for income from copyrights, patents, and licenses.
All faculty members are strongly encouraged to file research disclosure forms with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research. Disclosures are critical to the legal process for protecting the confidentiality of the research, and are essential to many of the legal requirements surrounding patent eligibility. [3]
In addition to publication in the Policy Manual and the Faculty Handbook, the policy is linked from the Research Support Services web site. [4] New faculty receive copies of the policy at new faculty orientation each fall. Current faculty will be reminded of the policy at regular training sessions conducted by Research Support Services staff.
3.2.1
