THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY
The prompt and open dissemination of the results of research and creative
work among scholars and, eventually, to the public at large is essential to
the University's mission of education and research. The commercial development
and distribution of the results of research and creative work to benefit the
inventor or creator and the economy is part of the University's mission of
public service. This Policy is intended to facilitate the commercial development
of intellectual property arising at the University and to provide an incentive
to University inventors or creators to participate in such development while
acknowledging the University's primary goal of the discovery and dissemination
of knowledge.
Definitions
As used in this Policy, the following words shall have the following meanings:
A. Confidential Information - Information that is received by a Covered
Individual from a third party under an express or implied obligation of confidence.
B. Covered Individuals - All staff, faculty members, students, adjunct
professors in residence, and any other individuals associated with the University.
C. Copyrightable Work - A creative work that is protectable under
the copyright laws of the United States or other countries. Copyright protection
is available for most literary, musical, dramatic, and other types of creative
works, including, for example, computer software, teaching materials, multimedia
works, proposals, and research reports.
D. CVIP - The University Office of Commercial Ventures and Intellectual
Property, which has primary responsibility for administering the development
and commercialization of Intellectual Property through licensing or other
arrangements.
E. Director - The Executive Director of the CVIP.
F. Evaluation Committee or Committee - One of several University committees,
each with a particular area of technical expertise, that advises the CVIP
and Vice Chancellor for Research in evaluating Inventions, Tangible Research
Materials, and Copyrightable Works.
G. Exempted Scholarly Work - A Scholarly Work that falls within certain
categories of Copyrightable Works for which academic institutions have historically
waived any ownership interest in favor of the author. The University currently
recognizes the following categories of Exempted Scholarly Works: textbooks,
class notes, research proposals, classroom presentation and instruction, research
articles, research monographs, student theses and dissertations, paintings,
drawings, sculpture, musical compositions and performances, dramatic works
and performances, poetry, and popular fiction and nonfiction. As modem types
of works become clearly established as Scholarly Works, so that individual
consideration is no longer deemed necessary, the President may expand this
list of Exempted Scholarly Works beyond these historically established categories.
Except for the limited circumstances described in Sections III. C. Lb. and
III. C. 1. c. below, Exempted Scholarly Works need not be disclosed to the
University and the University automatically waives any ownership interest
in such works.
H. Intellectual Property - Inventions, Copyrightable Works, and Tangible
Research Materials.
1. Invention - A discovery or development that may be protectable under
the patent laws of the United States, the United States Plant Variety Protection
Act, or equivalent laws in other countries.
J. Outside Researcher - An individual who performs or directs research
for an organization other than the University.
K. President - The President of the University or his or her designee.
L. Public Disclosure or Publicly Disclosed - Any written or
oral disclosure of an Invention or Copyrightable Work to any person not under
a contractual or fiduciary obligation of confidentiality to the University.
M. Scholarly Work - A Copyrightable Work that has the primary goal
of disseminating academic or scholarly knowledge or is a work of artistic
expression. As described in Section III.C. below, whether a Copyrightable
Work is a Scholarly Work will be determined by the Director and Vice Chancellor
for Research on a case-by-case basis (except that Exempted Scholarly Works
are automatically considered Scholarly Works). The University waives all ownership
interests in Scholarly Works except in the two circumstances described in
Sections III.B.2. and HI.B.3.
N. Tangible Research Materials or Materials - Tangible biological,
chemical, and physical materials or equipment. Examples include cell lines,
antibodies, DNA or RNA, chemical samples, plasmids, and prototypes.
0. Vice Chancellor for Research - The Vice Chancellor for Research
at each campus, or where no such person exists, the Provost (or their designees).
Scope
A. Persons Subject to the Policy
All Covered Individuals are subject to this Policy.
B. Types of Intellectual Property Covered by the Policy
This Policy addresses the three categories of Intellectual Property (Inventions,
Copyrightable Works, and Tangible Research Materials) as well as Confidential
Information. The President shall have authority to designate additional types
of Intellectual Property under this Policy.
III. Policy
A. Participation Agreement
The University has adopted a Participation Agreement, attached as Exhibit
A, that confirms acceptance of this Policy by Covered Individuals and assigns
to the University all rights in any Intellectual Property in which the University
asserts ownership (as described below).
1. Students - Students must sign the Participation Agreement prior
to employment by the University in any research-related position. Such employment
would include, for example, an arrangement whereby a student is funded as
a research assistant under a government research grant or an industry-sponsored
research agreement with the University. Students may also be required to sign
the Participation Agreement under other appropriate circumstances, as determined
by the Vice Chancellor for Research (for example, as required by the terms
of a research grant).
2. Individuals Other Than Student - All Covered Individuals other
than students must sign the Participation Agreement. The University will confirm
that a valid Participation Agreement is on file before a Covered Individual
receives any University-administered funds under a research grant or agreement.
The University may also refuse to process any agreement involving that Covered
Individual to the extent that the agreement would grant rights in Intellectual
Property to an outside party.
B. Ownership of Intellectual Property
Any Covered Individual who invents, creates, or discovers any Intellectual
Property will own all rights to such Intellectual Property except as follows:
I . Use of University Resources - The University will own any Intellectual
Property (other than Exempted Scholarly Works) that is made, discovered, or
created by any Covered Individual who makes significant use of University
resources (including University-administered funds or University-funded time,
facilities, or equipment) in connection with the development of such Intellectual
Property. Use of library facilities, facilities available to the general public,
and occasional use of office equipment and office staff will not ordinarily
be considered "significant use" of University facilities and equipment. In
addition, faculty members will not be considered to have made significant
use of University resources if (i) the faculty member receives advance written
approval of the proposed use from the Department Chair, (ii) academic uses
of facilities and equipment have priority, (iii) the faculty member compensates
the University for the fair market value of the facilities and equipment (as
actually charged by the University to outside users or, in the absence of
such documentation, as determined by the Vice Chancellor for Research), (iv)
the faculty member is not using University-committed time because the activities
are permitted Outside Activities (under the University Policy on Faculty Consulting
and Outside Activities), and (v) the faculty member does not use any University-provided
funds or University-administered funds in connection with the activity.
If a Covered Individual makes, creates, or discovers Intellectual Property
without significant use of University resources, but the Intellectual Property
closely resembles a specific research project that the Covered Individual
has conducted at the University, it may appear that the Intellectual Property
arose with use of University resources. Under these circumstances, the University
and the Covered Individual (or a company for whom the Covered Individual consults)
could later argue about ownership of the Intellectual Property because the
University might reasonably believe that University resources were in fact
used. Such arguments usually arise after the Intellectual Property has gained
substantial commercial value. In order to avoid these potentially litigious
situations, the University requires Covered Individuals to disclose to the
University any Intellectual Property that closely resembles a specific research
project at the University, together with an explanation that the Intellectual
Property did not arise through use of University resources. The University
may ask the Covered Individual for documentation supporting the claim that
there was no significant use of University resources. As described below,
if there was no significant use of University resources, the University will
give the Covered Individual a written acknowledgment that the University has
no ownership interest in that Intellectual Property.
2. University-Commissioned Works - The University will own any Intellectual
Property (including Exempted Scholarly Works) that is made, discovered, or
created by a Covered Individual who is specifically hired or commissioned
by the University for that purpose, unless otherwise provided by written agreement
between such individual and the University.
3. Intellectual Property Subject to Contractual Obligations - Ownership
of any Intellectual Property (including Exempted Scholarly Works) that is
made, discovered, or created in the course of research funded by a sponsor
pursuant to a grant or research agreement, or which is subject to a materials
transfer agreement, confidential disclosure agreement or other legal obligation
affecting ownership, will be governed by the terms of such grant or agreement,
as approved by the University, although the University will ordinarily claim
ownership.
4. Student Works
- General - As with other Covered Individuals, students shall own
any Intellectual Property that they make, discover, or create in the course
of research (e.g., thesis or dissertation research) unless (i) the student
received financial support from the University in the form of wages, salary,
stipend, or grant funds for the research, (ii) the student made significant
use of University resources (including University-administered funds or
University-funded time, facilities, or equipment) in connection with the
research, or (iii) the research was funded by a sponsor pursuant to a grant
or sponsored research agreement or is subject to a materials transfer agreement,
confidential disclosure agreement, or other legal obligation that restricts
ownership of Intellectual Property.
- Theses and Dissertations - The texts of all student theses and
dissertations, and derivative works of these works, are considered Exempted
Scholarly Works; therefore, the student will own copyright to the Scholarly
Work (unless Sections III.B.2. or III.B.3. apply), subject to a royalty-free
license to the University to reproduce and publish the Scholarly Work. As
described below, students are allowed to publish their theses and dissertations
unless they have agreed in writing to restrictions that preclude or delay
publication.
Under certain circumstances, as described in Section III.C.3. below,
the University will relinquish its rights in Intellectual Property to the
inventor or creator of that Intellectual Property at his or her request.
C. Administrative Procedures - Inventions and Copyrightable Works
A primary goal of the University is the discovery and free dissemination
of knowledge for the benefit of the public. The University recognizes, however,
that in certain instances the public will only benefit from knowledge that
is protected under the patent or copyright laws, which provide an incentive
for economic development of that knowledge. The University therefore requests
that all Covered Individuals disclose Inventions and Copyrightable Works (other
than Exempted Scholarly Works) promptly, in order to allow the University
an opportunity to evaluate their commercial potential, and to preserve or
enhance their value by filing a patent application or obtaining a copyright
registration. The University has established the following procedures in order
to accomplish the dual objectives of disseminating knowledge and maximizing
the economic value of that knowledge.
I . Disclosure to the University - Disclosure forms should be submitted
to the CVIP or the Vice Chancellor for Research. The Vice Chancellor for Research
and the CVIP will exchange copies of all disclosure forms that each receives.
The Vice Chancellor for Research will also make available to the campus Office
of Grants and Contracts appropriate information to permit required disclosures
to research sponsors (e.g., federal agencies). The CVIP will make available
appropriate disclosure forms. The treatment of different categories of Intellectual
Property is set forth below.
a. Intellectual Property Developed with University Resources or Closely
Resembling a Specific University Research Project - All Covered Individuals
are encouraged to disclose promptly all Inventions and Copyrightable Works
(except Exempted Scholarly Works) that (i) are developed with significant
use of University resources or (ii) closely resemble a specific research project
in which that faculty member is engaged at the University (see Section III.B.
1. above). Although the disclosure of such Inventions and Copyrightable Works
is voluntary, if the Covered Individual intends to commercialize such Intellectual
Property, disclosure is required reasonably before the Covered Individual
takes any action to commercialize such Intellectual Property. Examples
of commercial actions include, without limitation, seeking patent or copyright
protection, commencing discussions with potential investors or licensees,
or transferring the Intellectual Property to a third party.
If a Copyrightable Work is an Exempted Scholarly Work, no disclosure is required
under any circumstances. In other cases in which a Covered Individual desires
treatment of a Copyrightable Work as a Scholarly Work, the Covered Individual
should submit to the CVIP or Vice Chancellor for Research, in addition to
the disclosure form, a request for treatment of the work as a Scholarly Work
and a brief explanation of why the work should be a Scholarly Work.
In the case of an Invention or Copyrightable Work that the Covered Individual
claims is not subject to University ownership because the Intellectual Property
was developed without significant use of University resources, the Covered
Individual should submit to the CVIP or Vice Chancellor for Research, in addition
to the disclosure form, a request for confirmation of individual ownership
together with documentary evidence which clearly establishes that fact.
b. University-Commissioned Works - In the case of Inventions and Copyrightable
Works (including Exempted Scholarly Works) that a Covered Individual is specifically
hired or commissioned by the University to develop (see Section III.B.2. above),
disclosure of the Intellectual Property is required unless otherwise provided
by written agreement between such individual and the University.
c. Intellectual Property Subject to Contractual Obligations (e.g., Sponsored
Research Agreements) - In the case of Inventions and Copyrightable Works
(including Exempted Scholarly Works) developed in the course of research funded
by a sponsor pursuant to a grant or research agreement, or which is subject
to a materials transfer agreement, confidential disclosure agreement or other
legal obligation requiring disclosure, the disclosure of such Intellectual
Property will be governed by the terms of such grant or agreement, as approved
by the University, if such terms differ from this Policy.
2. Evaluation and Disposition of Disclosures - The Director and the
Vice Chancellor for Research will review, evaluate, and make a disposition
of all disclosure forms, and will promptly notify the Covered Individual of
their disposition. The evaluation and disposition of a disclosure will be
completed as soon as possible, but for Inventions (and computer software)
ordinarily no later than ninety (90) days, and for Copyrightable Works (other
than software) ordinarily no later than thirty (30) days after the CVIP or
the Vice Chancellor for Research receives a complete and accurate disclosure
form and any other information that the CVIP or the Vice Chancellor for Research
requests in order to make an informed evaluation of an Invention or Copyrightable
Work. Disclosure forms will be evaluated for one of more of the following
dispositions, subject to the appeals process described in Section III.C.4.
below:
- Scholarly Work - In the case of a Copyrightable Work that is claimed
as a Scholarly Work (but is not an Exempted Scholarly Work), the Director
and the Vice Chancellor for Research will decide whether that work is in
fact a Scholarly Work.
- No Use of University Resources - In the case of an Invention or
Copyrightable Work that the Covered Individual claims is not subject to
University ownership because the Intellectual Property was developed without
significant use of University resources, the Director and the Vice Chancellor
for Research will decide whether there was in fact significant use of University
resources.
- Evaluation of Commercial Potential: The Evaluation Committees -
In the case of an Intellectual Property that the Covered Individual discloses
for possible commercialization by the University, the Director and the Vice
Chancellor for Research will determine its commercial potential. To assist
in this determination, the Director and the Vice Chancellor for Research
may consult with patent or copyright counsel and outside experts in particular
fields.
In addition to these resources, the Director and the Vice Chancellor for
Research may seek the advice of various Evaluation Committees with expertise
in various fields of research, which Committees the President shall have
authority to establish at his or her discretion. Each Committee will be
composed of faculty members with relevant expertise, appointed by the Chancellors
in consultation with the Director and the Vice Chancellors for Research;
a representative from the CVIP; and a Committee Chair, selected by vote
of the whole Committee. The Director may invite to any Committee
meeting one or more individuals from outside the University with relevant
industry experience to advise the Committee.
All intellectual property disclosures shall be considered confidential
by the University. The University will inform all members of the Evaluation
Committee and all outside experts that the information contained in the
disclosures is confidential, and that breach of confidentiality is a violation
of University policy that could lead to personnel or other available sanctions
or actions and will obtain written acknowledgment of such obligations from
these individuals. The Evaluation Committees will establish recusal procedures
for members who have a conflict of interest in a particular case.
- Intellectual Property Subject to Contractual Obligations (e.g., Sponsored
Research Agreements) - In the case of Inventions or Copyrightable Works
(including Exempted Scholarly Works) that arise in the course of research
funded by a sponsor under a grant or research agreement, or which are subject
to a materials transfer agreement, confidential disclosure agreement, or
other legal obligation affecting evaluation of disclosures, the evaluation
process will be governed by the terms of such grant or agreement, as approved
by the University, if such terms differ from this Policy.
In the unlikely event that the Director and the Vice Chancellor for Research
disagree on the disposition of a disclosed Invention or Copyrightable Work,
a final decision shall be made by the President.
3. Request for Relinquishment of Rights - Under certain circumstances,
as described below, the University may relinquish its ownership rights in
an Invention or Copyrightable Work to the inventor or creator of the Intellectual
Property at his or her request.
a. Intellectual Property Developed With University Resources - The University
automatically waives its rights in Exempted Scholarly Works. In all other
cases, the University will ordinarily waive its ownership rights in favor
of the inventor or creator of an Intellectual Property if the Covered Individual
has made complete and accurate disclosure of such Intellectual Property in
accordance with this Policy and the Director and Vice Chancellor for Research
have determined that the Intellectual Property comes under one or more of
the following categories (as described in detail in this Policy):
- Copyrightable Work that is a Scholarly Work
- Intellectual Property developed without significant use of University
resources
- Intellectual Property that the University has decided not to commercialize
- Intellectual Property that the University ceases to use diligent efforts
to commercialize
b. University-Commissioned Works - The University will not ordinarily
waive its ownership fights in any Intellectual Property (including Exempted
Scholarly Works) that is developed by a Covered Individual who is specifically
hired or commissioned by the University for that purpose, unless otherwise
provided by written agreement between such individual and the University.
c. Intellectual Property Subject to Contractual Obligations - In the
case of Intellectual Property (including Exempted Scholarly Works) that is
developed in the course of research funded by a sponsor pursuant to a grant
or research agreement, or which is subject to a materials transfer agreement,
confidential disclosure agreement, or other legal obligation affecting ownership,
the relinquishment of any University fights in the Intellectual Property will
be governed by the terms of the relevant grant or agreement, as approved by
the University, if such terms differ from this Policy. This includes research
carried out by faculty members within a center of the University when a separate
agreement with the University, approved by the Vice Chancellor for Research
and the Director, has been executed by the center. Before a change is made
in an ongoing research contract between the center and an outside entity,
the Vice Chancellor for Research will consult with faculty members who participate
in the contract. A Covered Individual may need a separate waiver or assignment
of fights from the other party in order to acquire complete fights to the
Intellectual Property.
If certain Intellectual Property is available for relinquishment by the University
(as set forth above), the inventor or creator of the Intellectual Property
may request in writing that the Director grant a release or assignment of
fights. The Director in consultation with the Vice Chancellor for Research
will promptly respond to this request. The University will retain a royalty-free,
non-exclusive license to use any such Inventions or Copyrightable Works for
academic research and teaching. If the University has incurred expenses to
obtain legal protection for Intellectual Property (e.g., patent-related expenses),
the University may condition its relinquishment of fights to that Intellectual
Property through a contract with the Covered Individual to reimburse the University
from commercialization revenues.
4. Appeals - If a Covered Individual disagrees with a decision of
the Director and the Vice Chancellor for Research under Section III.C.2.,
such individual may ask for reconsideration by the appropriate Evaluation
Committee. The Committee shall review the matter and make its recommendation
to the Director and the Vice Chancellor for Research who shall reconsider
the matter.
D. Administrative Procedures - Tangible Research Materials
While potential commercial value should not inhibit the free exchange of
University owned Tangible Research Materials for research purposes, the University
nonetheless recognizes that such Materials may have significant commercial
value. In addition, Tangible Research Materials received by Covered Individuals
may be subject to contractual restrictions that severely limit the use and
transfer of such Materials, to the detriment of University researchers. The
University has therefore established the following procedures to allow the
free exchange of Tangible Research Materials, while at the same time respecting
the ownership rights of the University, protecting the fights of its researchers,
and limiting the liability of the University and its researchers.
I . Transfer to Outside Researcher for Basic Research - If a Covered
Individual desires to transfer Materials to an Outside Researcher for use
in internal basic research, and not for the development or sale of commercial
products, the Covered Individual must use the appropriate University form
of Materials Transfer Agreement ("MTA"), which will be provided by the CVIP
together with instructions for the use of each form. The various forms of
MTA will establish fights and responsibilities regarding the Materials among
the University and the Outside Researcher and his or her employer and will
minimize future confusion and controversy regarding the use and transfer of
the Materials and ownership of Inventions or Materials based on the supplied
Materials. Faculty members (but not other Covered Individuals) are authorized
to sign these MTAs on behalf of the University provided that (i) the University-form
MTA is not altered or revised in any manner and (ii) a signed original of
the MTA is sent to the CVIP when the Materials are sent to the Outside Researcher.
Alternatively, CVIP representatives are authorized to approve and sign MTAs,
even with revisions. If a Covered Individual is involved in a project that
requires frequent exchanges of material with an Outside Researcher, the CVIP
representative, in consultation with the General Counsel's office, may develop
a blanket MT A to cover all exchanges between the Covered Individual and the
Outside Researcher for a specific period.
If Materials are developed by a Covered Individual in the course of sponsored
research, or are otherwise subject to contractual restrictions (e.g., a materials
transfer agreement or confidential disclosure agreement), the transfer of
such Materials to an Outside Researcher will be governed by the terms of the
relevant agreement, if such terms differ from this Policy.
These procedures also apply to students who leave the University and desire
to bring with them Materials that they developed or discovered in the course
of their work at the University.
2. Transfer for Commercial Use - Materials may not be transferred
to any Outside Researcher for any use other than internal basic research
unless the Outside Researcher has obtained a license from the University
through the CVIP under the procedures set forth in this Policy. Materials
with commercial uses should be disclosed to the CVIP or Vice Chancellor for
Research in the same manner as Inventions and will be treated in the same
manner as Inventions.
3. Receiving Materials from Outside Researchers - If a Covered Individual
receives Materials from an Outside Researcher at another organization (non-profit
or commercial), the other organization or researcher may impose serious use
and transfer restrictions on the Materials and may claim an ownership interest
in Inventions, Copyrightable Works, or Materials that arise in the course
of research performed with such Materials. For this reason, only CVIP representatives
are authorized to approve and sign agreements governing receipt of Materials
from other organizations. Covered Individuals are encouraged to consult with
the CVIP regarding the restrictions applicable to a particular Material from
an Outside Researcher before planning to use that Material in their research.
Covered Individuals should be aware that, in some instances, these restrictions
may be so onerous (e.g., no publications, assignment of inventions) that the
CVIP will require modification of the agreement before approval. The CVIP
will make available a University-form MTA for receipt of Materials, although
the organization supplying the Materials will usually require use of its own
MTA.
If Materials are received by a Covered Individual in the course of sponsored
research, the transfer of such Materials will be governed by the terms of
the applicable sponsored research agreement, if such terms differ from this
Policy.
If any MTA restrictions would apply to research performed by students, the
effected students must agree to such restrictions in writing.
4. Administrative Procedures - In instances where the approval and
signature of a CVIP representative is required for minor changes in the University
form, every attempt will be made to complete this process within three business
days. If the approval process extends beyond three business days, the Covered
Individual may request the intervention of the Vice Chancellor for Research,
who will attempt to expedite the process. For more material changes a CVIP
representative in consultation with the General Counsel's office will complete
the process as soon as practicable. The Vice Chancellor for Research will
maintain a record of any such requests and their disposition.
E. Administrative Procedures - Confidential Treatment of Information
While the academic tradition of free dissemination of knowledge for the public
benefit is recognized by the University to be of paramount importance, it
may be necessary or desirable, under some circumstances, to restrict disclosure
of Confidential Information received from a sponsor company or to delay Public
Disclosure of an Invention. The University has developed the following procedures
to balance these competing interests. The University will ordinarily not agree
to maintain University-generated research results as trade secrets.
1. Guidelines Regarding Public Disclosure of inventions - internal
disclosure of an invention to the CVIP or Vice Chancellor for Research will
not interfere with the ability to patent the invention. However, Public Disclosure
of an Invention prior ,to filing for a patent application (even one d before)
will preclude the availability of patent protection in most countries. This
legal rule applies to any non-confidential written or oral disclosure that
describes the Invention (e.g., at a scientific meeting, in a journal, or even
in an informal discussion with colleagues outside the University).
Accordingly, the University strongly encourages Covered Individuals to disclose
Inventions to the CVIP as soon as possible, and to delay Public Disclosure
of the Invention until the evaluation process is completed and a patent
application is filed. The CVIP and Vice Chancellor for Research will
attempt to minimize delays in publication, but a delay of up to ninety
days is often necessary for evaluation. The CVIP and Vice Chancellor for Research
will make every effort to expedite the evaluation process when a Covered Individual
indicates that there is a compelling need for rapid publication.
During this interim period, an Invention may be safely disclosed outside
of the University under the protection of a Confidential Disclosure Agreement
("CDA"), because disclosures made under an appropriate CDA are not considered
Public Disclosures. The University therefore recommends that all Covered Individuals
use the University-form CDA whenever they disclose information relating to
an Invention while the Invention is under evaluation by the University, and
the University strongly recommends use of the University-form CDA and consultation
with the CVIP if a Covered Individual wishes to disclose an Invention to an
Outside Researcher associated with a company or other for-profit organization,
or directly to such an organization. The CVIP will make available appropriate
forms of CDA. Faculty members have authority to sign the University-form CDA
on behalf of the University when they will disclose information (but will
not receive information), provided they send a fully signed original of the
CDA to the CVIP as soon as possible. Alternatively, CVIP representatives are
authorized to approve and sign CDAs on behalf of the University.
Covered Individuals should be aware that Public Disclosure of an Invention
prior to completion of the evaluation process and filing of a patent application
will adversely affect the commercial value of the Invention and therefore
may decrease the likelihood that the University will proceed with commercialization
of that Invention.
In the case of an Invention or Copyrightable Work that arises in the course
of sponsored research or a grant, or which is subject to a materials transfer
agreement (MTA), confidential disclosure agreement, or other contractual restriction
affecting Public Disclosure, any restrictions on Public Disclosure will be
governed by the terms of the grant or agreement with the other party, as approved
by the University. If such restrictions would prevent or delay the publication
of a student thesis or dissertation, then he or she must agree to such restrictions
in writing.
2. Receiving Confidential Information from Outside Researchers - If
a Covered Individual receives Confidential Information from an Outside Researcher
or organization (non-profit or commercial) in relation to research performed
by the Covered Individual at the University, the other organization or researcher
may impose serious non-disclosure and non-use obligations on the Confidential
Information and may claim an ownership interest in Inventions, Copyrightable
Works, or Materials that arise in the course of research performed with such
Confidential Information. For this reason, only CVIP representatives are authorized
to approve and sign CDAs from other researchers or organizations on
behalf of the University. The CVIP will make available a University-form CDA
for receipt of Confidential Information, although the organization disclosing
the Confidential Information will usually require use of its own form of CDA.
When Confidential Information is received by a Covered Individual in the
course of sponsored research, the treatment of such Confidential Information
will be governed by the terms of the applicable sponsored research agreement,
if such terms differ from this Policy.
If any CDA restrictions would apply to research performed by students, the
affected students must agree to such restrictions in writing.
F. Administrative Procedures - Sponsored Research with Commercial Organizations
The Vice Chancellor for Research in consultation with the CVIP shall have
responsibility for negotiating, executing, and administering funded research
agreements between the University and commercial organizations, in accordance
with the University policies on sponsored research. The Vice Chancellor for
Research may delegate all or some of these responsibilities to the CVIP. CVIP
approval is required for any terms of such agreements that affect rights to
Intellectual Property (e.g., option rights, license rights, or assignment
of ownership). If any restrictions in a funded research agreement (such as
publication delays) would apply to research performed by students, the affected
students must agree to such restrictions in writing.
G. Commercialization of University-Owned Intellectual Property
The CVIP in consultation with the Vice Chancellor for Research shall have
responsibility for commercial development and administration of all University
owned Intellectual Property. This commercial development will ordinarily occur
through licensing of Inventions, Copyrightable Works, or Materials to a company.
The CVIP will regularly consult with, seek the advice of, and inform the inventor
or creator of the Intellectual Property throughout the commercialization process.
The University recognizes that involvement of the inventor or creator at every
step of the commercialization process is essential for the successful commercialization
of Intellectual Property. The CVIP will use diligent efforts to commercialize
the Intellectual Property. If the CVIP is successful in its commercialization
efforts, the inventor or creator will share in the economic rewards, as will
the department and campus.
The University acknowledges the possibility that, in some situations, a Covered
Individual and the University may each have ownership of an important element
of Intellectual Property. In these situations, the University and the Covered
Individual may achieve the highest value only if the combined Intellectual
Property is commercialized. This Policy is not intended to limit the ability
of a Covered Individual to contract with the CVIP to accomplish this result,
even if the terms of that contract differ from this Policy. In any event,
the University and the Covered Individual may each license their respective
Intellectual Property separately if they cannot agree on contract terms.
Distribution of Non-Equity Revenue Derived from Commercialization -
Royalty income and other non-equity revenue derived from the licensing of
University owned Intellectual Property will be distributed at the end of each
accounting period as follows:
- The University will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred
in obtaining and maintaining patent or copyright protection for a specific
item of Intellectual Property, and in evaluating and marketing such Intellectual
Property.
- The remaining net income will be distributed as follows:
- Fifteen percent (15%) to the CVIP to fund patents, CVIP operations,
and research grants
- Thirty percent (30%) to the inventor or creator
- Fifteen percent (15%) to the University entity or entities that provided
the resources for development of the Intellectual Property, to fund research
and scholarship
- Forty percent (40%) to the campus of the inventor or creator to fund research
and scholarship
In the case of multiple inventors or creators of commercialized Intellectual
Property, their shares will be distributed as they unanimously agree or, in
the absence of agreement, in equal portions. If multiple departments or programs
are involved, their shares will be distributed in the same manner as the distributions
to the inventors or creators within such departments or programs.
At the written request of a Covered Individual, the University will furnish
an accounting of these expenses and payments, but not more frequently than
once each year. Covered Individuals are free to receive additional non-equity
compensation directly from a commercial organization (e.g., through a consulting
agreement), provided that the Covered Individual complies with other applicable
University policies and procedures.
2. Acceptance of Equity - The University may accept an equity interest
in a corporation, provided that before the CVIP agrees to accept equity, it
must receive the approval of the Vice Chancellor for Research, the Vice President
for Economic Development, and the University Treasurer. A Covered Individual
must choose either of the following approaches when negotiations commence
between the University and the corporation, but the choice is final once selected.
If a transaction is completed before the Covered Individual makes a choice
of these approaches, the approach in paragraph b shall apply.
- Covered Individuals may elect to receive thirty percent (30%) of the equity
that the University would otherwise receive in connection with the
commercialization of Intellectual Property, in which case the Covered Individual
agrees not to receive any other equity interest from the corporation. The
Director may waive this restriction in his or her discretion. The University
will not receive or hold this equity on behalf of a Covered Individual,
but will instruct the corporation to issue the equity directly to the Covered
Individual. Covered Individuals must sign any documents required by the
corporation (e.g., stock restriction agreements) and must agree to comply
with any restrictions placed on the stock by the corporation. If the corporation
refuses to issue the stock directly to the Covered Individual, or if the
Covered Individual does not sign the necessary documentation, the University
will instruct the corporation to issue the equity directly to the University.
In such event, the Covered Individual may still receive equity independent
of the University.
- Covered Individuals may elect to receive equity directly from the corporation
independent of the University, in which case the Covered Individual agrees
not to receive any share of equity that the University may receive in that
transaction. Covered Individuals selecting this approach may negotiate with
the corporation to receive equity by means of, for example, a consulting
agreement or founders stock. Such arrangements may be subject to the University
Policy on Conflict of Interest Relating to Intellectual Property and Commercial
Ventures.
3. Distribution of Equity Revenue Derived From Commercialization -
The University will not receive and hold equity until liquidation on behalf
of a Covered Individual. Instead, as explained in the preceding section, a
Covered Individual may receive equity directly from a company (either together
with the University or independent of the University). The equity received
by the University in connection with the commercialization of Intellectual
Property will be held until liquidation, with the proceeds distributed as
follows:
a. First, to the extent the University is not fully reimbursed for out-of
pocket expenses from non-equity revenue, the University will be reimbursed
for any remaining out-of-pocket expenses incurred in obtaining and maintaining
patent or copyright protection for a specific item of Intellectual Property,
and in evaluating and marketing such Intellectual Property.
b. The remaining proceeds from equity liquidation will be distributed as
follows:
- Twenty percent (20%) to the CVIP to fund patents, CVIP operations,
and research grants
- Twenty percent (20%) to the University entity or entities that provided
the resources for development of the Intellectual Property, to fund research
and scholarship
- Sixty percent (60%) to the campus of the inventor or creator to fund research
and scholarship
Equity held within the University will be managed by the Treasurer. Equity
may also be held on behalf of the University by the University of Massachusetts
Foundation, Inc. or another outside investment advisor to minimize potential
institutional conflicts of interest.
H. Enforcement
The Director, the Vice Chancellor for Research, or the President may refer
any matter to the appropriate University official for disciplinary or other
appropriate action.
1. Appeals
If a faculty member disagrees with any decision by the Vice Chancellor for
Research or the Director, the faculty member may request an advisory opinion
from an ad hoc faculty committee composed of three members appointed by the
Chancellor for that campus and three members appointed by the Faculty Senate.
The faculty member and the Vice Chancellor for Research will each present
their views to the committee. The committee will adopt an opinion by vote
of a majority of its members. In the event of a deadlock, the committee may
adopt two opinions. The committee will transmit its written opinion to the
faculty member, the Vice Chancellor for Research, and the Director.
If the disagreement persists, the faculty member may appeal the matter to
the President (or his or her designee). The President will consider written
statements by the faculty member, the Vice Chancellor for Research, and the
Director, as well the advisory opinion rendered by the ad hoc committee. The
decision of the President shall be final within the University.
In the case of Covered Individuals other than faculty members, the President
shall have authority to overrule any decision of a Vice Chancellor or the
Director. The decision of the President shall be final within the University.
If a Covered Individual disagrees with the final University decision, the
Covered Individual may exercise his or her individual legal rights to pursue
the matter in a court of law located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
This acknowledgment by the University that a Faculty Member has the right
to pursue a legal claim is not an admission by the University that any Faculty
Member actually has any actionable legal claim. Rather, the University seeks
to preserve the legal rights of a Faculty Member outside of the collective
bargaining process after internal appeals are exhausted.
J. Interpretation of Policy; Exceptions
The Director shall administer this Policy in regular consultation with the
Vice Chancellors for Research and the President. The President shall have
authority to interpret this Policy and, upon recommendation of the Vice President
for Economic Development and in consultation with the General Counsel, may
grant exceptions to the Policy in appropriate cases.
K. Reports
The Vice Chancellor for Research shall file with the Faculty Senate an annual
report on disclosures and materials transfer agreements, indicating the number
received, time involved in processing, and disposition. The report shall present
summary statistics and shall maintain the confidentiality of individual disclosures.
(Amherst/Boston Version, 2/3/97 revised 3124197)
f:\legal\docs\ttpol\amherst\ip.4cl |