Intellectual Property at Melbourne

Introduction

Intellectual property (IP) represents the property of one’s mind or intellect; one’s knowledge, discoveries and inventions, in material form. IP takes many forms, including ‘know-how,’ trade secrets, patents, trademarks, industrial designs, circuit layouts, plant breeder’s rights, reports, publications, and literary and artistic works such as novels, poems and plays, films, musical works, drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures. With the exception of copyright and circuit layout rights, which are automatic, one must take formal steps to register IP and obtain the legal rights of ownership.

Creating, managing and effectively using IP (both one’s own IP and others’ IP) are core elements of academic life.

This site provides links to about the University’s IP-related policies, processes and support services; guides for staff (including research higher degree supervisors) and students; and a pointer to some useful external resources.

Contents

1. Brief Overview

2. IP Statute and IP Principles

1. Statute 14.1 - Intellectual Property
2. Standing Resolution 4.15 - Intellectual Property Principles

3. Invention Disclosure

4. Commercialisation

5. For Research Students and Supervisors

1. Brochure - Intellectual Property for Students and their Supervisors (PDF, 7.8MB)
2. Guidelines Relating to Student Intellectual Property (DOC, 58 KB)
3. Guidelines for Managing Intellectual Property Issues Related to Student Projects in CRCs (PDF, 26KB)
4. Talking IP with my supervisor(s) (FAQ)
5. Checklist for Research Students and their Supervisors on Research Integrity and the Responsible Conduct of Research (MS Word, 84KB)
6. FAQs

6. Other useful information

1. Ownership of IP at the University (FAQ)
2. IP information for honorary appointees and visitors
3. IP information for prospective students (DOC, 39KB)
4. Using other people's IP (FAQ)
5. Demystifying IP for curriculum developers (PDF, 144KB)
6. Final report from the Intellectual Property Information and Education Working Group (DOC, 64KB)
7. University academic support services for staff and students
8. Some useful external resources