UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY
FOR GRADUATE STUDENT EMPLOYEES
AMHERST
Table of Contents
- I. Definitions
- II. Scope
- III. 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.
I. 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 modern 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.1.b. 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.
- I. 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 III.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.
- O. Vice Chancellor for Research - The Vice Chancellor for Research
at each
campus, or where no such person exists, the Provost (or their designees).
II. 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 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 Students - 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:
- 1. 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
- a. Generally - 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.
- b. 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.
- 1. 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:
- a. 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.
- b. 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.
- c. 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.
- d. 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 rights 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 rights 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 rights from
the other
party in order to acquire complete rights 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 rights. 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 rights 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 rights of its researchers, and
limiting the
liability of the University and its researchers.
- 1. 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 rights 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 MTA 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
day 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.
- 1. 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:
- a. 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.
- b. 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.
- a. 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.
- b. 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.
- I. Appeals
- If a graduate student employee disagrees with any decision by the Vice Chancellor for
Research or the
Director, the graduate student employee may request an advisory opinion from an ad hoc
committee composed
of three faculty members appointed by the Chancellor for that campus, two members appointed by
the Faculty Senate, and a graduate student employee appointed by the Graduate Dean. The
graduate student employee 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 graduate student employee, the Vice Chancellor for Research, and the Director.
- If the disagreement persists, the graduate student employee may appeal the matter to
the President (or his or
her designee). The President will consider written statements by the graduate student employee,
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.
- If a graduate student employee disagrees with the final University decision, the
graduate student employee 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 graduate
student employee has the
right to pursue a legal claim is not an admission by the University that any graduate student
employee actually has
any actionable legal claim. Rather, the University seeks to preserve the legal rights of a graduate
student employee
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.