Universities and Intellectual Property Ownership and Exploitation

The vital role played by universities in producing creative and innovative products (protected by intellectual property) is becoming increasingly recognized both by policy makers and by the universities themselves. The universities are now often looking to tighten up their policies on intellectual property so as to maximize revenue, for instance through spin-off companies; but this arguably restricts the free flow of knowledge and scientific progress. The authors look in detail at this highly topical subject, both from a policy and a practical legal point of view, drawing upon research covering universities in the USA, UK, and Australia.

Ann Monotti is Senior Lecturer at Monash University, Australia, specializing in intellectual property law. She also has many years experience in legal practice and is a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Sam Ricketson is Professor of Law at the University of Melbourne, Australia and also practises as a barrister at the Melbourne Bar, specializing in the area of intellectual property.