Intellectual property
We understand intellectual property (IP) is important to your organisation. It’s important to note that, unless otherwise agreed between your organisation and the student/s, any IP created by the student/s during a placement will usually remain the property of the student.
If required, it is your responsibility to enter into a separate agreement with the student regarding IP rights ownership. This may involve having the student sign relevant documentation to transfer IP, typically in the form of a Deed Poll.
Relevant considerations might include:
- Has the IP been created using your resources?
- Was the student part of a team whose combined work created the IP?
- Was the student building on work that had already commenced by your organisation (i.e., ‘background’ IP) as part of the project?
- Are there any proprietary or privacy concerns around the IP?
- Is the IP created valuable? How likely is it that the IP will generate commercial return?
- Did university staff also support the creation of the IP?
- If students require reuse of created materials in a work portfolio or similar, are you willing to grant them permissions to do so?
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.