4. Patents, Software, and Inventions

Every invention that results, even in part, from research or other activities carried out as a result of an employee’s duties on behalf of the University, shall be the property of the University. This includes inventions that are developed with the aid of the University’s facilities, staff, or through funds administered by the University.

There may be instances in which faculty create materials or inventions which would be University property under the terms of this policy, but which the creator believes were created under unique circumstances deserving special consideration.

In such instances, faculty may submit a written petition explaining the exceptional circumstances to the provost, who will review the petition and issue a written determination regarding ownership rights in the material. If this determination is unsatisfactory to the petitioning party, final appeal may be made to the Office of the President of Rochester University.