University of Cambridge Department of Engineering

Intellectual Property issues for Research Students

Unlike most universities the University of Cambridge recognises the right of graduate students to own Intellectual Property (IP) that they have generated during the course of their studies in the first instance. However, in some instances (see the examples listed below) a student will be required to assign his or her IP to the University or another organisation. Normally when this is the case, the student will be recognised and rewarded for his or her contribution in the development of the IP in accordance with University policy.

  • If you are funded by a sponsor the University may enter into a contract with the sponsor which governs your research. These contracts are negotiated by the Research Services Division of the University and may require you to assign your IP to the University;
  • Your Supervisor may have research funding from external sponsors with terms and conditions which require you to assign your IP to the University;
  • If the IP generated in the course of your study involves significant University resources such as input from your supervisor or other members of staff, etc. and shared inventions arise, the University may require you to assign your IP to the University;
  • If you are working with an embedded company or in an area governed by an agreement with the Department's strategic partners, then special confidentiality and IPR conditions may apply;
  • If you are an employee of an organisation either full- or part-time, your employer may have certain rights to IP generated during the course of your studies. You should check your contract of employment to verify this. (If you are an employee of the University of Cambridge, the arrangements will be set out in your contract).
  • If you have an arrangement with an individual, company, educational institution or other organisation to receive funding or other support, then the details of this arrangement must be shared with your supervisor and with the Department to ensure you are not trapped by conflicting obligations and contractual terms.

In order to identify possible IP issues in advance, supervisors are asked to discuss the matter with their students at an early stage in their research. A convenient point is when they discuss their choice of graduate modules, and the attached checklist should then be returned to the Graduate Office. The questions should be considered again at the point of the First-year review meeting (when another copy of the checklist will be provided), and at any time if there is a change in the source of funding for the student or their research. If the supervisor flags a potential problem or indicates uncertainty concerning the contractual position, then the Graduate Office will inform the Research Office in the Department, which will work with RSD (the University’s Research Services Division) to investigate and provide a solution.

University of Cambridge Department of Engineering

Checklist for supervisors and students on IP issues and financial support

This form MUST be returned to the Graduate Studies Office by Monday 3rd November 2008

Please complete the form below. If you answer 'yes' to any of the questions 2 to 4 the Research Office in the Department will follow up the matter with RSD to provide a studentship agreement if necessary.

Name of student (please print) …………………………………………………..

  1. Please list the sources of funding for the student’s fees (University and College), maintenance, research costs and any other support.
  1. Has the student signed a contract to be employed, retained, or paid fees by a third party, which contains terms governing the reporting of research activities or the ownership of intellectual property?
  1. Is the student likely to work on research where a third party (for example an external research sponsor) has rights to confidentiality or the ownership or licensing of intellectual property?
  1. Do you have any concerns or uncertainties with regard to the contractual position of the student and existing or planned research activities, on which advice might be helpful?

Signed ……………………………………………………….(Student)

………………………………………………………………….(Supervisor)

………………………………………………………………….(Date)