uOttawa IP Policy

uOttawa's IP policy outlines the management of IP, delineates researchers' rights, and specifies the distribution of royalties from licensing agreements.

IP Ownership

uOttawa retains ownership of IP resulting from research activities, except in the following situations:

  • Collaborations with inventors from other institutions, where ownership is negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
  • Research conducted under sponsored contracts that assign IP ownership to the sponsor.
  • Inventions developed entirely on the inventor's own time without using uOttawa resources.
  • IP rights returned to the inventor by uOttawa.
  • Research data created by members of the Association of Professors of the University of Ottawa (APUO). 

University of Ottawa Policy 29: Commercialization of Research-Derived Intellectual Property

uOttawa aims to foster innovation while ensuring that researchers are fairly recognized and rewarded for their contributions.

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Disclosure Obligations

Researchers interested in commercializing their inventions must disclose potential IP to ISS by submitting an Invention Disclosure Form. This process initiates the evaluation and potential commercialization of the invention. 

University of Ottawa Intellectual Property
 

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Royalty Distribution

The University has an inventor-friendly royalty distribution policy. After recovering patenting and direct marketing expenses, net revenues from commercialization are shared between the University and the inventors. The specific distribution percentages are outlined in the University's policies and the APUO Collective Agreement.

Up to $100,000

Over $100,000

80% to the inventor(s)

50% to the inventor(s)

20% to uOttawa

50% to uOttawa

Frequently Asked Questions
 

IP Ownership Models

Universities across Canada adopt varying intellectual property (IP) policies to manage the ownership, protection, and commercialization of research outcomes. These policies are generally categorized into three main approaches: institutional ownership, inventor ownership, and shared ownership. Below is an overview of these approaches, their benefits, and their drawbacks.

COMMERCIALIZATION FRAMEWORK

uOttawa's Commercialization Framework outlines a strategic approach to transforming research discoveries into societal benefits. Aligned with uOttawa’s Transformation 2030, the framework emphasizes agility, connectivity, impact, and sustainability in research and innovation activities.

Key Components:

  1. Intellectual Property (IP) Management: The University is committed to supporting research that generates new knowledge and ensuring its results are accessible to society. This includes facilitating technology transfer through patenting and commercialization activities, consistent with public interest and the University's role.
  2. Innovation Support Services (ISS): The ISS team plays a crucial role in identifying, supporting, and enhancing research efforts with commercialization potential. They assist in forming new partnerships, protecting IP, and creating ventures, collaborating with various University groups to connect IP with external stakeholders, particularly in the private sector.
  3. Policy 29 – Commercialization of Research-Derived Intellectual Property: This policy underscores the University's commitment to making research results available to society in ways that maximize their utilization. It recognizes that technology transfer is often best achieved through patenting or commercialization, aligning with both public interest and the University's image.
Innovation

POLICY 29: COMMERCIALIZATION OF RESEARCH-DERIVED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Outlines the framework for the commercialization of research-derived IP. The policy aims to support uOttawa research and innovation ecosystem by fostering effective commercialization of IP generated through research activities.

Key aspects of the policy:

  • Purpose: Support research and innovation ecosystem and help foster commercialization of research-derived IP.
  • Definitions: Define key terms such as "Intellectual Property," "Invention," "Inventor," and "Researcher," to ensure a common understanding among stakeholders.
  • Disclosure: Articulate uOttawa’s policy and researchers obligations surrounding disclosure of research results and potential inventions to facilitate assessment and commercialization.
  • IP Management: Outline commitment to protecting and commercializing IP, including mechanisms developed by multiple internal and external stakeholders.