Melbourne ResearchIntellectual Property (IP)

Student owned IP

A student at the University of Melbourne automatically owns any IP they create relating to their studies unless IP ownership is governed in some way by a third party agreement. For instance, a student may publish any discrete, “stand alone” material that has been independently developed and is not subject to an agreement with an external organisation. The University would not expect to receive any royalty from such publications, even if University equipment has been used.

Team based work

Students working on team-based projects, on collaborative projects with their supervisors or on ongoing programs in large research centres (such as CRCs), need to be aware of the IP rights and responsibilities of all those involved. In many cases, considerable intellectual input from the supervisor has already been placed in developing a grant application before a research project commences. In such cases, the rights associated with joint contribution need to be respected, and staff and students should ensure that IP matters are discussed, defined, agreed and documented prior to project commencement. This will also help should the student leave the University.

Commercialising student owned IP

Students are strongly advised to seek independent legal advice in relation to any issues related to the management and exploitation of their own IP. A student can ask the University to help commercialise IP that the student owns. If the University commercialisation company Melbourne Ventures would like to take up such an offer, the terms would be agreed between the University and the student.
top of page