Intellectual Property

The APC is hyper-vigilant in managing its intellectual property (IP) across the research continuum. Central to this is the close integration of APC IP Management personnel, including the APC’s IP Coordinator, Dr Sharon Sheahan with the Commercialisation and Intellectual Property Committee (CIPC), Executive Management Group (EMG), and the University’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO). Research ongoing in laboratories is documented in both electronic and paper lab notebooks, inventions are identified and captured in Invention Disclosure Forms, and evaluated for both novelty and commercial value, before proceeding with patent applications. The use of Researcher Undertakings protects IP ownership, while diligent use of Material Trasnfer Agreements (MTAs) and Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs) regulates and protects transfer of materials and information, and publication screening prevents unauthorised disclosure of sensitive IP.

IP Options are granted to APC Industry Partners, where appropriate, and licensing agreements negotiated. IP that is not commercialised by existing APC partners is marketed to external licensees. Opportunities to form spin-out companies and develop new industry research collaborations are continuously sought.