FACULTY EMPLOYMENT

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 FACULTY AS AUTHORS

What governs ownership of intellectual property produced at the University?

The UA Board of Regents' Policy and University Regulation 10.07.050 and/or faculty collective bargaining agreements govern ownership of intellectual property (ACCFT Article 3.8 and Appendix E) (UNAC Article 14). However, these documents may not be well understood. Faculty, staff, and administrators would benefit from discussions about ownership issues and the development of guidelines that reflect new learning environments.

How do I protect my own intellectual property?

Registration for copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office provides the owner of the copyright certain legal advantages and the benefit of presumptions in case of infringement; the registration process is straightforward and inexpensive. In the case of a "sponsored" work, you must contact the University's intellectual property manager before seeking copyright registration for a work. Conversely, when the free sharing and reproduction of information and creative efforts is in the interest of the University and the author, the University and the author may choose to publish works and include statements that specify the terms of distribution and require attribution for any copies or modifications made. Because the University has an interest in works that are "supported" by the University, and owns the copyright in the case of works "sponsored" by the University, you must obtain permission from the University's Intellectual Property manager before permitting free reproduction and distribution of materials in the course of your employment at the University.

08/07