Release of Research Disclosures

If it is determined upon the completed evaluation of a submitted Research Disclosure that the University is not interested in pursuing the technology for patenting or other commercialization, the University will notify the investigators named on the Research Disclosure in writing of this decision. This will be done in the form of an interdepartmental memo from the Division of Technology Management (DTM). In the event any investigator is no longer employed by the University, a formal letter will be sent to that individual at their home address. The named investigators will be requested to indicate their option to either enter into negotiations for release of the available rights from the University to further pursue the technology at their own expense, or indicate that they are in agreement with the University’s decision and do not wish to enter into negotiations for release.

If an investigator opts to enter into negotiations for release, the DTM will provide details on the current status of any Intellectual Property and estimated expenses to the investigator. The DTM will further notify the Vice Chancellor of Research and Sponsored Programs of the investigator’s desire to obtain rights from the University. A formal release of rights will be made in writing by the Vice Chancellor of Research and Sponsored Programs confirming all responsibilities associated with acceptance of these rights. These include, but are not limited to, assumption of federal reporting obligations, payment of all attorneys’ fees and expenses going forward, and granting a non-exclusive worldwide royalty-free license to the University for academic and research purposes.

Release of Patent Rights

If at any time the University determines it is no longer in its best interest to continue prosecution or maintenance of any United States or international patent filed as a result of research conducted by University Employees, the University will notify the Inventors in writing of this decision. This will be done in the form of an interdepartmental memo from the DTM. In the event an Inventor is no longer employed by the University, a formal letter will be sent to that individual at their home address. The Inventors will be requested to indicate their option to either enter into negotiations for release of the available rights from the University to further pursue the technology at their own expense, or indicate that they are in agreement with the University’s decision and do not wish to enter into negotiations for release.
If an Inventor(s) opts to enter into negotiations for release, the DTM will provide details on the current status of any intellectual property and estimated expenses to the Inventor(s). The DTM will further notify the Vice Chancellor of Research and Sponsored Programs of the Inventor’s desire to obtain rights from the University. A formal release of rights will be made in writing by the Vice Chancellor of Research and Sponsored Programs confirming all responsibilities associated with acceptance of these rights. These may include federal reporting obligations payment of all attorneys’ fees and expenses going forward, and granting a non-exclusive worldwide royalty-free license to the University for academic and research purposes.