IPR Policy

Intellectual Property Rights Policy

1. Objective of the Policy

• 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.
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5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.