Document Actions
Follow this page:
Intellectual Property Policies and Guidelines
Policies and guidelines regarding intellectual property at Penn State.
Guidelines
Acceptance of Donated IP
The Office of Technology Management is primarily responsible for assessing the value and benefits of accepting donations of intellectual property and will recommend a course of action, based on the criteria of this guideline, regarding proffered intellectual property to the Assistant Vice President for Research.
Guide to Intellectual Property Management and Technology Transfer at Penn State
A list of links, tips and resources related to Intellectual Property Management and Technology Transfer at Penn State.
Management of Intellectual Property
The primary objective of the IP management process is to transfer technologies from the University to companies with the interest, ability and resources to commercialize them such that the public can benefit from Penn State inventions.
Signatory Authority Reference for Faculty
Identify a select few Penn State officials with signatory authority to bind Penn State in legal agreements.
Signatory Authority Reference for Industry
Companies doing business with Penn State should be aware of Penn State’s policies regarding signatory authority for legal agreements including routine confidentiality agreements and material transfer agreements.
Penn State Policies
FN14 - Use of Tangible Assets, Equipment, Supplies and Services
To state University policy governing the use of University tangible assets and services (including equipment, software, audio-visual material, theatrical costumes, etc.).
HR42 - Payment of Personal Compensation by a State Agency or Department of the Commonwealth
To outline the conditions governing personal compensation for services rendered by a faculty or staff member to agencies or departments of the Commonwealth.
HR80 - Private Consulting Practice
To outline the conditions governing private consulting by individuals classified as full-time academic or academic administrator. For an outside activity to be considered legitimate private consulting, this activity must be in the faculty member's field and be of a professional nature.
HR91 - Conflict of Interest
To avoid the possibility of any misunderstandings concerning the appropriate conduct of faculty and staff members in regard to all transactions touching upon their University duties and the property of the University.
RA11 - Patents and Copyrights (Intellectual Property)
To establish appropriate policies for ownership and management of University intellectual property.
RA12 - Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurial Activities (Faculty Research)
To establish appropriate policies for technology transfer activities, including the establishment of faculty companies and consulting; and identifying and reducing the potential for conflicts of interest.
RA17 - Courseware
The purpose of this courseware policy is to provide incentives for the involvement of University personnel in courseware and courseware module development while also protecting the University’s interests in its educational programs and in controlling costs to students.
RA20 - Individual Conflict of Interest
In order to enable work done at Penn State to have the broadest positive impact on society, the University sets forth this policy to protect the research, scholarship, artistic endeavors, and technology transfer programs (also referred to as University Research and Technology Transfer) of the University from improper actions and influences that can arise as a result of individual conflict of interest. Further, this policy serves to define the safeguards necessary to preserve the integrity of the University, its faculty, students, staff, officers and other senior managers of the University.
RAG12 - Faculty Guidance On Student Intellectual Property Rights
Guidance of intellectual property ownership and student-generated IP.
RAG13 - Special Student Intellectual Property Agreement Forms
Rights and responsibilities regarding intellectual property created as a student at The Pennsylvania State University.
RAG14 - What to Expect When Licensing a Penn State Technology into a Start-Up Company
If you are considering becoming involved in a start-up company, please review these guidelines carefully and then schedule a meeting with the Intellectual Property Office to discuss the process.
RAG20 - Guidance on the Disclosure of Significant Financial or Business Interest(s)
The goal of this Guideline is to provide a basic overview on general University policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of significant financial or business interest(s) and management of real or perceived conflicts of interest involving research, education, and University service.
