Trent University is committed to advancing knowledge through research and innovation to the benefit of society. At the core of innovation and entrepreneurship is Intellectual Property (IP), which is regulated by federal government.
The Office of Research & Innovation is committed to supporting Trent’s researchers in protecting their intellectual property and promoting commercialization and entrepreneurship from within our research community. For more information email research@trentu.ca.
Intellectual Property Policy
Trent fully understands the importance of protecting the knowledge and innovation generated from within our University.
Trent makes no claim over the ownership of IP produced by its faculty or students during the course of their employment or studies. However, when IP is produced through the utilization of the University's facilities, resources or services, Trent and the producer become legally, financially and ethically entwined together. The University therefore asks all researchers to disclose when they believe they have produced new IP.
Trent is willing to assist researchers in the commercialization of their IP, should they wish, and an agreement will be drawn up in accordance with the articles laid out in the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors and Trent University Faculty Association (Article IX: Intellectual Property and Copyright).
Confidentiality is often an important aspect of managing IP. Trent encourages the producers of an invention, software or an idea that might lead to IP, to contact the Office of Research & Innovation as soon as possible prior to any public disclosure.
IP Forms
Preliminary Intellectual Property Disclosure Form: To notify the Office of Research & Innovation when IP is believed to exist.
Invention Disclosure Form: To identify IP created in whole or in part by members of the Trent community (including but not limited to students, staff and faculty, research and teaching assistants, visiting and postdoctoral scholars).
Intellectual Property Assignment: To assign or transfer entire rights, title and interest in IP.
Non-Disclosure Agreement: Used in the development or commercialization of IP.