Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (IP) is the result of intellectual or artistic activity; IP is not the intellectual or artistic idea, but the expression of that idea.  IP at UVic can created by a member of the university in a scholarly, professional or student capacity.

Some examples include:

• • Inventions
  • Publications
  • Computer software
  • Works of art
  • Industrial and artistic designs

Some types of IP are protected under legislation including:

• • Patent : protection against others making, using, or selling your invention
  • Copyright : protection against others making copies of or modifying your creative work
  • Trademark : protection of a unique combination of words, designs, or both that identify specific goods or services
  • Industrial design : protection of visual features (e.g., shape, pattern) that is a unique product design feature

(adapted from UVic Research)

The UVic  Policy on Intellectual Property  governs copyright ownership and use of works created at UVic. Under this policy, faculty, staff, and students will generally own the copright in works they create through teaching and research, with certain exceptions. However, ownership can be affected by agreements with departments, industry sponsors, or joint authors, who may have an interest in the works that they have helped to create or fund.

More information on research and industry partnerships contact the  Research Partnerships and Knowledge Mobilization unit.

For information on copyright for your written or artistic work, please see Authors and Creators.