To establish a clear framework for the ownership, protection, and commercialization of intellectual property generated within the institution.
To ensure that the rights of creators (faculty, researchers, students) and the institution are fairly protected.
To promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge transfer in a way that benefits society.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all faculty members, researchers, students, and staff involved in the generation of intellectual property.
It covers all IP generated in the Commerce, Management, and IT departments, specifically in UG, PG, and PhD programs.
It includes patents, copyrights, trademarks, designs, trade secrets, research data, and other related intellectual property.
Ownership of Intellectual Property
Faculty and Researchers: Typically, faculty and researchers who generate intellectual property as part of their academic or research work will own the IP, but it may be subject to the following conditions:
IP developed as part of a project funded by the institution or external funding sources may have joint ownership between the creator(s) and the institution.
If the IP is developed using institutional resources (e.g., laboratories, databases), the institution may hold partial or full rights over it.
Students: IP created by students as part of academic work may generally be owned by the student, but the institution may assert certain rights to the IP if:
It is created through a research project funded by the institution.
It results from collaboration with faculty members or external partners.
Collaborations: IP created from collaborations with external organizations, industry partners, or other institutions should be governed by the terms of a specific agreement (e.g., Memorandum of Understanding, Research Agreement) that defines the rights and obligations of all parties.
Disclosure of Intellectual Property
Creators are required to disclose any intellectual property they develop to the institution’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC).
Disclosure should occur promptly after the IP is created to facilitate appropriate protection (patent application, copyright registration, etc.).
A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) may be signed by the institution and external parties if necessary.
Protection of Intellectual Property
The institution will assist in protecting intellectual property, including filing patents, copyrights, or trademarks, if applicable.
The institution will provide the necessary support and resources for protecting the intellectual property, including legal advice, filing fees, and expert assistance.
Faculty, researchers, and students must cooperate with the institution in the filing and protection process.
Commercialization of Intellectual Property
The institution may facilitate the commercialization of intellectual property through licensing, partnerships, or spin-offs.
Revenue Sharing: The institution will typically follow a fair and transparent revenue-sharing model in cases where IP is commercialized, with the following general guidelines:
The revenue from commercialization will be shared between the inventor (faculty, researcher, and student) and the institution, as per a pre-determined ratio.
Revenue from student innovations may follow a different model to recognize the contributions of students, faculty, and the institution.
The institution may help creators connect with industry partners or investors to facilitate commercialization.
IPR Education and Awareness
The institution will organize regular workshops, seminars, and training programs for faculty, researchers, and students to raise awareness about intellectual property rights and the importance of protecting their innovations.
Students, especially those in PhD programs, will receive training on how to protect and manage intellectual property as part of their academic curriculum.
Dispute Resolution
In case of disputes regarding the ownership or commercialization of intellectual property, the institution will establish a Dispute Resolution Committee to mediate and resolve conflicts.
The committee will include legal experts, senior faculty members, and representatives from the Technology Transfer Office.
The dispute resolution process will be transparent and in accordance with Indian IP Laws and international standards.
Confidentiality and Ethical Guidelines
All stakeholders (faculty, students, and staff) involved in the creation or management of IP are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
The institution will ensure that all IP-related work is conducted ethically, following academic integrity and professional standards.
Clear guidelines regarding ethical use of resources, conflict of interest, and handling of proprietary information will be established.
Review and Amendments
The IPR policy will be reviewed periodically to keep up with the evolving nature of intellectual property laws and the needs of the institution.
Amendments or updates to the policy will be made by the institution’s governing body and communicated to all stakeholders.
