Information for Researchers
Any research staff member that thinks they have novel results with commercial applications should immediately advise the Enterprise Office or get in touch with an Otago Innovation Commercialisation Manager. But what exactly is Intellectual Property? Who owns it? Who shares in the dividends? And how does filing an Intellectual Property Agreement impact on publishing or discussing research findings at conferences? The staff at Otago Innovation can help answer these important questions, and guide researchers through the entire commercialisation process. They'll give advice on the potential commercial value of research, whether to apply for a patent, a license or sell the technology to a company, and pay for any upfront patenting or licensing costs. They will also develop business and marketing plans, and attend to all the commercial details so that researchers can focus on the science and any further 'proof of concept' lab work that may be required to bring their product to market.
More detailed information is found in the following links:
Intellectual Property Description
Download Intellectual Property Description (110kb in MS Word format)
This is one of the first steps in the commercialisation process. It provides a description of the idea or technology and gives the commercialisation team a great starting point for further investigation.
University of Otago Staff IP Policy
While the University owns the rights to any IP created by its research staff, any benefits resulting from commercialisation will be shared equally by the researcher or researchers who developed the idea, their Department and the University.
University of Otago Student IP Policy
Graduate students are not required to file IP applications for any research work that they do while at the University, however there is an important partnership between students and the University in the creation of IP. This policy is designed to protect the interests of both the students and the University should students wish to exploit the commercial value of their IP. It also outlines how any ensuing financial benefits would be mutually shared.
Research at Otago University
The Research & Enterprise Office helps researchers with all funding applications (including competitive funding rounds such as the Marsden Fund, and applied research contracts). It can also assist with technology transfer, material transfer agreements, IP and commercialisation questions. R&E works closely with Otago Innovation and outside companies and investors to bring innovative products to market.
Publication
Often publication will render any commercialisation impossible. We strongly suggest that if you think your research has commercial relevance that you contact us.