What Students Should Know
When Do I Own My IP?
Work created by students during the course of their usual studies or education is owned by those students. This includes anything created during an ordinary class – essays, presentations, prototypes, computer programs etc. – or with commonly available University resources, such as library materials, classroom and study space, laboratory computers, etc.
Students who own their Intellectual Property (IP) are not required to disclose such work to the University.
The Innovation Floor at Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science is a commonly available resource, meaning students own the Intellectual Property in work created on the Innovation Floor unless that work is part of a research agreement.
When Does the University Own My IP
The University owns Intellectual Property created by the student when there is a signed agreement or Substantial University Assistance.
There are instances when a student will sign an agreement with the University to waive Intellectual Property rights for a particular project. An example is a sponsored research agreement.
Substantial University Assistance means the use of University funds, resources, or facilities beyond the normal support provided to students. This is mainly a financial consideration beyond normal means and more than traditional work-study or financial aid. This also includes access beyond normal to University resources, such as additional laboratory or technical training, supervision by University staff, or heightened access to University holdings or other resources generally unavailable to students, faculty, staff or the general public. More examples can be found on page 4 of the Intellectual Property Policy Manual.
DU Probably Owns It
| I developed a drone with AI capabilities using advanced machinery in my professor’s research lab. |
| I contributed to a research study on renewable energy for my professor’s state-funded project. |
| I created a virtual reality simulation under a university-funded initiative. |
| I discovered a new gene-editing technique in DU’s laboratory using DU-owned or licensed software. |
I Probably Own It
| I designed a smart home assistant device in my basement. |
| I authored a multimedia presentation for a digital media course assignment. |
| I developed a mental health app using AI algorithms at my apartment. |
| I engineered a foldable electric scooter in my dorm room. |
