What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property is anything that you create while at university that may have monetary value. Typically this will apply to higher degree research. According to QUT, this includes any “copyright, patents, trademarks, circuit layouts and new plant varieties”. Usually, you own your own intellectual property, however, in some circumstances, you will need to assign your intellectual property rights to the University.

Once you have assigned your intellectual property rights to QUT you will receive a share of net commercialisation revenues along with other contributors. QUT will also have to observe any obligations of confidentiality in relation to the project. You will retain copyright ownership of your thesis.

However, if you do not wish to assign your intellectual property rights to QUT, then you cannot continue with your research project in its current form. You will need to first liaise with your supervisor to develop a new project that does not include any commercial expectations and then exclude yourself from the current research project.

The University strongly encourages you to obtain independent legal advice about the nature and effect of the agreement. QUT will contribute up to $300.00 to the cost of legal advice.

If you don’t agree with the University’s finding that your project contains assignable intellectual property, or you believe an outcome is harsh, book an appointment with QUT Guild’s Advocacy team as soon as possible and we can help you write your appeal and liaise with the University.