Supervisor responsibilities relating to IP
The University owns the rights to all IP created by students working on projects governed by the terms of ‘specified agreements’ (i.e. agreements between the University and an external organisation which relate to the ownership or use of IP). This includes grant funding bodies, or public and private sector organisations funding contract research at the University.
Research higher degree supervisors have a particular responsibility to inform prospective and current students about the terms of any ‘specified agreements’ associated with their research, discuss how IP and any rights to commercialisation will be managed in that context, and ensure that students agree to the terms and responsibilities of their involvement. Specific topics for discussion between such students and thier supervisors might include:
- What background IP is needed and available for the project?
- Does the project require the use of IP owned by others?
- How will culturally or commercially sensitive IP be handled?
- What action may be required to protect IP being developed during the project?
- What are the obligations to disclose inventions?
- How will people's input on a project be acknowledged?
Research student checklist
The School of Graduate Research and the Melbourne Research Office have developed a Checklist for Research Students and their Supervisors on Research Integrity and the Responsible Conduct of Research to assist supervisors and students in engaging in discussions about IP management and further issues relating to integrity in research.
The School of Graduate Research and the Melbourne Research Office have developed a Checklist for Research Students and their Supervisors on Research Integrity and the Responsible Conduct of Research to assist supervisors and students in engaging in discussions about IP management and further issues relating to integrity in research.