IP POLICY:
A set of internal rules or guide to help administer, manage and monitor the proper management of IP rights so that intellectual activities are carried out in the right direction and in the right environment so as to bring about the desired results.
WHY AN IP POLICY?
- Ensure only novel projects in R & D are carried out (i.e. not re-inventing the wheel)
- Ensure that novel projects in R & D are not infringing third party's right
- Facilitate recording of R & D findings
- Examine patentability or alternative IP protection
- Determine inventorship and ownership of inventions
- Determine authorship and ownership of a work
- To clarify the respective legal rights and obligations of employers, employees and third parties
