Intellectual Property Policy
The University's intellectual property policy allows it to fulfill its duty of care of employees and students by requiring disclosure, setting conditions of ownership of intellectual property arising from collaborative environments, and specifying a dispute resolution procedure to which all parties within the University have access.
The appropriate acknowledgement of the contribution of co-workers and others is an essential part of the candidate's research training; supervisors should make this clear to students. Examiners will expect the original contribution of the candidate to be made plain in the dissertation.
The University's intellectual property policy is in the Statutes and Ordinances: Chapter XIII, Section 2: Intellectual Property Rights.
Group Research
Further Guidance on Clause C of Chapter XIII, Section 2, Sub-Section 14
At the admissions stage, Heads of Institutions are asked to indicate whether or not a candidate's work arrangements are likely to come under this clause; the Board will make this known to the candidate in the offer of admission.
In the course of almost any research project, a student and supervisor will exchange ideas such that it is often very difficult in retrospect to ascertain to whom any given idea belongs. If a student of supervisor or other member of a research group feels that misunderstanding may arise in future over the ownership of an idea or piece of work, he or she should make notes (whether in a laboratory notebook or other progress log) at the time and as the other person or persons concerned to confirm their agreement.
The appropriate acknowledgement of the contribution of co-workers and others is an essential part of the candidate's research training; supervisors should explain this clearly to students. Examiners will expect the original contribution of the candidate to be made plain in the dissertation and may explore any areas of doubt in the oral.
Particular care is neded if a candidate's sponsor is not the same as the group's principal sponsor: there may be conflicting claims on IP and special arrangements for confidentiality may be needed. To avoid any possible misunderstanding, students and supervisors should make themselves aware of any conditions attached to sponsorship agreements and arrangements for participation in group research.