Melbourne ResearchIntellectual Property (IP)

Overview of IP policy

The manner in which IP is developed, protected, managed and commercialised by the University is encapsulated in Intellectual Property Statute (14.1) and Intellectual Property Principles (Standing Resolution 4.15). These aim to foster a culture that supports knowledge creation, knowledge transfer and entrepreneurial endeavour, including through net commercial revenue sharing with creators.


IP and staff

The University asserts ownership of IP, other than scholarly works, created by its staff. By ‘scholarly works’ the University means articles, books, musical compositions, creative writing or like publications or any digital or electronic version of these works. It does not include work that is 'teaching material' or any work that comes within the terms of the University’s invention disclosure policy.


IP and students, honorary appointees and visitors

In relation to students, honorary appointees and visitors, the University asserts ownership of IP which is teaching material (created or used for the primary purpose of teaching and education at the University) or the subject of ‘specified agreements’ (including third-party agreements with external organisations such as granting bodies (e.g. ARC and NMHRC) or public and private sector organisations funding contract research and development at the University).


Disclosure and revenue sharing

All staff, honorary appointees, visitors, or student creators of IP have a responsibility to identify, protect, manage and be involved in the commercialisation of IP. In particular, all have a specific duty to disclose inventions with potential commercial value or where required by specified agreements. In the absence of any other agreement reached between the relevant parties the University will ensure that the Net Proceeds of Commercialisation are distributed as follows:

University Central 20%
Faculty
40%
Creators
40%

top of page