What is intellectual property (IP)?
Intellectual property (IP) refers to "creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce” (). In your research, you are building on existing knowledge (IP), to further advance our understanding of the world around us. An awareness of IP is essential regardless of whether you want to commercialise research outputs or not.
Examples of IP you may generate as part of your research
These include:
- experimental data
- an organised collection of information (database)
- videos
- sound recordings
- written report and notes in a lab book
- a presentation (both the written content and the verbal delivery)
- expertise and knowledge built up over years of working in a particular field.
To explore the different ways in which IP is protected, visit the Intellectual Property Rights page.
Tip 1: Use Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
Get an NDA in place early on when engaging with external partners through the self service portal. Your research outputs and expertise are valuable and deserve appropriate recognition. NDAs are legal agreements for sharing confidential information more safely.
Tip 2: Use Materials Transfer Agreements
If you are planning to transfer materials to an external party, you need an MTA. Reach out to Research Contracts to set one up.
Tip 3: Choose the correct creative commons license
Use the appropriate creative commons license to manage who and how content you place in the public domain is accessed and used respectively. Reach out to the Copyright team for futher advice.
If you have an IP query or idea, please contact the Knowledge Exchange and External Partnerships (KEEP) team via intellectualproperty@reading.ac.uk as soon as possible. Alternatively, with us.
If you have a query related to engaging with external partners, please get in touch with your Business Relationship Manager directly, or alternatively contact the KEEP team through keep@reading.ac.uk.