Intellectual Property (IP) is the product of thought, creativity and intellectual effort (inventions, designs, software, know-how)

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are the legal rights that protect and facilitate business in research outcomes. (Patents, Copyright, Trade Marks, Design). Birkbeck's position on the formal ownership of IPR is set out in the College's Financial Regulations

Developing and exploiting intellectual property

Birkbeck's Research Grants and Contracts Office handles all research funding and contractual matters for its academic staff, this includes the review of Intellectual Property terms and conditions of research awards and contracts:

• examination and negotiation of contract conditions for accuracy and suitability, especially in the area of ownership of intellectual property, access to data and publication rights
• the agreement of student deeds of assignment of intellectual property rights where related to an externally funded research contract (usually required where a student works alongside a member of staff on a project which may give rise to exploitable results)

Birkbeck also has agreements with UCL Business and UCL Consultants for them to provide expert advice on the commercialization of IP. If you have an idea that you believe may have commercial potential, please contact Liz Francis , Head of Research Grants and Contracts. Birkbeck and UCL will then work together to determine the best way forward for the IP.

• general liaison and exploration of technology transfer possibilities
• licensing arrangements in connection with the exploitation of intellectual property and subsequent royalty arrangements and accounting   
• advising on confidentiality/disclosure agreements during the exploratory or preliminary stages of a project, or for students/staff working in other premises