Close
Find out what constitutes Intellectual Property (IP), why it's important, and UCL's position on IP.
Why is this important?
IP provisions cover the ownership and usage rights of the parties in relation to the results and other outputs of a project and are often a key point of negotiation.
Such terms should also address the description of and rights of use for any IP that the parties intend to use in the performance of the project(s). Academic freedom is a key theme, as is the opportunity to ensure public benefit through the dissemination and practical application of research.
What is UCL’s position?
UCL’s general position with regard to ownership of IP created by its staff and students is as set out in the UCL Intellectual Property (IP) Policy.
The IP position reached in agreements with third parties will vary according to the context, including as a function of external funding and collaboration arrangements that UCL may enter into.
In arrangements subject to externally agreed terms and conditions, UCL will (as between it and any counterparties) generally expect to retain ownership of foreground (or resulting) IP that it creates, potentially offering the option to external collaborator(s) or funders to secure certain usage rights in respect of such IP on terms to be agreed, where appropriate. IP created by UCL’s students in any such context will also need to be considered appropriately.
In all cases, UCL will negotiate in order to ensure that where possible UCL researchers and students are free to utilise the results and other outputs of their research in current and future research and teaching. In addition, UCL is keen to ensure that commercially valuable IP is protected and utilised appropriately, for the benefit of society in general and also to underpin the sustainability of research.