Intellectual Property
Macquarie University requests that student researchers assign Intellectual Property rights to the University at enrolment in exchange for being included in research programs, so that the University can manage any intellectual property arising from research programs for the benefit of all concerned. The Intellectual Property Assignment means that intellectual property taking the form of patentable material can be commercialised to the benefit of all inventors and gives the student equal rights with members of the academic staff. As a result of Intellectual Property assignment the University can negotiate with third parties on the behalf of staff and students in matters where intellectual property may have commercial potential, and thus protect members from exploitation or disadvantage. The University does not assert any right or claim to ownership of intellectual property in conventional scholarly output by staff members and students which takes the form of scholarly books, journal articles and other work or subject matter (other than that specifically commissioned by the University). Thus, copyright ownership in a student’s thesis lies entirely with the student.
The full Intellectual Property Policy is set out on the Research Office website at:
www.research.mq.edu.au/students/new_students/enrolment/ip.
Research students assign Intellectual Property to the University upon enrolment in their research program. In general terms assignment of intellectual property is a condition of enrolment into a research program and will only be waived by special permission of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). The policy is summarised within the Enrolment Information for Higher Degree Research Students and the Research Enrolment form for the information of all enrolling students.