What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual Property is a catch all term that covers a range of rights over different products of the human intellect. ARI gives expert assistance on IP issues, including options and support for protection and exploitation. Not all exploitation involves commercial return, but where it does then staff (and students if involved) share in the benefits (more information here).

There is a growing trend towards “open access,” “open source” and “open innovation.” There are many different models of sharing of IP that fit under these broad umbrellas, and it is important not to assume that they permit a “free for all.”  But astute use of appropriate models can be a very effective means of encouraging dissemination and adoption of your ideas, whether or not this may lead to commercial exploitation.

Essentially you need to respect others rights and leverage those you help develop to best effect. ARI can help you understand your options and put them into practice.

For most University staff the most important rights are:

• Copyright: this protects literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works and other categories including films and sound recordings. The definitions are broad: "literary works" covers computer software, teaching materials and scholarly works. Copyright arises automatically
• Confidential information: protecting know-how and trade secrets
• Patents: which protect new inventions, but are subject to significant examination, delay and cost.

There are other rights too, including: Plant Breeder’s Rights (for new plant varieties); Design Rights (for the shape or appearance of manufactured goods); Trademarks (protecting the signs and trading identities of businesses) and Circuit Layout Rights (protecting the configuration of electronic circuits).

For further information contact your ARI Commercial Development Manager and refer to the following links:

• Getting commercial: to patent or not to patent?
• www.ipaustralia.gov.au
• www.copyright.org.au
• National Principles of IP Management 

Research Notebooks

Why keep a research notebook? A research notebook is one of the most effective tools to protect the intellectual property of your research. A well kept notebook is invaluable in proving the right to own a patent in Australia & particularly in the US (where patents rights are assigned on a ‘first to invent' basis, rather than the ‘first to file' system that applies in Australia). Order Now University of Adelaide research notebooks are provided to you free of charge from Adelaide Research & Innovation. Minimum order is 35 (1 box). To place an order contact our Intellectual Property Manager, Jennifer Rudd, phone 8313 5020.