Intellectual Property

Intellectual property refers to "creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce. IP is protected in law by, for example, patents, copyright and trademarks, which enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create." (World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

Dalhousie University has a creator-owned IP practice, which means professors and students are the owner of IP that they create. In some cases, IP has the potential for patentability and commercialization. However, IP created by grant-paid employees who are not also students may also be owned by Dalhousie University. This would be defined by IP/research agreements signed as part of the release of grant funds.

With the exception of research data, as discussed in the next section, IP created using NCIL resources, and/or in collaboration with the lab director, Aaron Newman, should in general be assumed to be jointly created and owned by Aaron Newman and the student(s) and employee(s) involved. Note that being a lab member does not automatically entail ownership of IP created by the lab; rather, IP is owned by those directly involved in creating that IP. Lab members should not pursue protection or commercialization of IP arising from lab activities without consultation with Aaron Newman.