Intellectual Property Support
Intellectual Property (IP) refers to intangible assets or creations of the mind (such as ideas, processes, articles, algorithms, inventions, designs, and symbols). IP also refers to the right of access, transfer, rent, or ownership of these creations.
By seeking to create value for our inventors and researchers as well as the University, we’re responsible for the capture, evaluation, and commercial development of AUT’s intellectual property portfolio.
Protecting yourself and your research can be a simple yet vital step in your commercialisation journey, which is why we’re here to work with you to secure your rights to a new idea, invention, or technology.
At AUT Ventures, we have intellectual property experts who work alongside our skilled Venture Managers who are ready to guide you and offer advice on all IP matters.
Ways of Working with AUT Ventures
We understand that researchers and teams have a personal interest in the Intellectual Property created while working at AUT. We always let researchers decide the extent of their involvement in the commercialisation process. There are three main options for structuring the commercialisation arrangement:
Benefits from all options flow to both AUT and the researcher(s) but how that happens varies between structures. Each has its pros and cons – including variation in the creator(s) relationship with the spinout/licensee and their total share.
To discuss your options and figure out what will work best for you, reach out today.
AUT has an Intellectual Property Rights Policy which applies to all staff and students who create IP. You can find it in the AUT Policy Hub
Key elements of the policy include:
- The University generally claims ownership of IP created by staff in the course of duties or using the University’s resources. There are exceptions for creations like books, papers, and artworks.
- Students generally own the IP they create. However, there are exceptions, for example, IP created as a result of participating in a university-led or industry project.
- AUT Ventures is the IP advisor for AUT staff and students. You can reach out to us for all IP-related queries. The guide below provides an overview of what IP is and how it works.