y. K ed b r ow e ge wled no Emp IP Management at the University of Sussex Russell Nicholls IP Manager r. q. nicholls@sussex. ac. uk
About me… • First degree – Neuroscience • Career path? • Second degree – IP Management • Opportunities • HE sector
Strategy headlines Uo. S Research Strategy Theme 4 – Feb 07 • “In partnership with others, contribute to socio-economic well being, both in the region, nationally and internationally, as a result of exchanging ideas, knowledge and technology. ” • “play a major role in society and the economy, through productive knowledge exchange, including the licensing of intellectual property, patent registration and company creation. ” • “embed a positive, sustainable enterprise culture throughout the University. ”
Sainsbury Review – Oct ‘ 07 • Increasing competition in global economy • Focus on science, technology and innovation for UK • Roles for Government depts, Industry/SMEs, RCs and new TSB • “The role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the knowledge economy: - “HEIs play an increasing role in the economy and the UK, with its world-class universities, is well placed. - “Research, teaching and knowledge transfer are fundamental roles for any HEI. ”
What is it? • Knowledge Transfer - Exchange of ideas, results, experiences and skills between universities, other research organisations, business, government, the public sector and the wider community to enable innovation • Intellectual Property - Diverse set of property ownership rights concerning creations, ideas, expression and intellectual output. - Protection against plagiarism, piracy, copying – rewards innovation - Can be sold, transferred, securitised etc
Introduction to IP • Patents • Know how (trade secrets/ confidential information) • Copyright • Designs • Plant cultivars • Trade Marks • • • Geographical indications Performers rights Circuit board topography Database right Sound recording Software
Patents in detail • Inventions, processes, methods, products can be patented • Criteria: - Novel – never before disclosed - Inventive – not obvious to skilled person - Industrially applicable • Must be registered and examined • 20 year monopoly • Difficult, expensive and long process to get a patent • Very strong protection against infringement
Copyright in detail • Protects literary, musical and artistic creative works, recordings of sound and film and broadcasts etc • Automatic right that exists as soon as the work is expressed or fixed – eg written. © 2008 R. Q. Nicholls • Does not protect an idea, a name or an article. • Prevents copying, adapting, distributing, performing, broadcasting or other communication to the public. • Various length of protection between life of author plus 70 years and 25 years from creation. • Includes a ‘Moral Right’ for the creator to be identified and to object to derogatory treatment.
IP Policy • Employer owns all Employee IP • Patents and software – commercial exploitation • Copyright – academic dissemination • Students own their IP (*usually) • University decides best IP Strategy • Set aside budget to pay for costs • Revenue sharing of income Policy updates
New Opportunity • ‘Technology Transfer’ favours science and technology • New world order – ambitious senior management team • Enterprise Board – at planning stage • Support for knowledge-based business opportunities • University grants for IP, marketing support, academic or teaching buy-out • Contact: business@sussex. ac. uk • Even an early stage idea can get advice or guidance • Get involved!
Thanks for listening Exec Summary: Government strategy feeds into University strategy Principles of IP Policy issues Chance to use your ideas to engage… r. q. nicholls@sussex. ac. uk
