Research Protections - Intellectual Property
Appalachian State University encourages faculty, staff and students to participate in scholarly research and creative activities that create knowledge and enhance teaching. Many times this knowledge, sometimes referred to as intellectual property, needs to be protected. Intellectual property is a general term that describes an original creative work manifested in a tangible form that can be legally protected through intellectual property rights, including the rights of patent, trademark and copyright protection.
While research conducted by the University is aimed first at creation, discovery and dissemination of knowledge, rather than profit from commercial application, the University recognizes that public benefit may result from commercial applications of technology developed with University resources. Both Appalachian and the University of North Carolina system have established policies and procedures to balance the interests of the public, the University and respective inventor(s), author(s), or artist(s) in intellectual property arising from research and creative activities conducted by employees and students. Please consult the Intellectual Property Resources webpage for Appalachian State University Policies and Procedures and the University of North Carolina Patent and Copyright Policies. Employees and students using university resources have a duty to disclose any intellectual property created or discovered. The Appalachian disclosure (Word) form may be submitted to Research and Graduate Studies in the John E. Thomas Building.
Disclosure forms are reviewed by the Intellectual Property Development Advisory Council. The Council reviews disclosures and makes recommendations to the Provost regarding the Intellectual Property policies and procedures, appropriate disposition of invention disclosures and distribution of invention royalties. The Council makes recommendations to encourage disclosures; assure prompt and effective handling, evaluation, and prosecution of invention opportunities; and protect the interests of the University and the public.
For additional questions, consult our FAQ and Glossary. The Intellectual Property Resources webpage includes additional resources such as the Educational Course Materials Development Agreement and a tool for conducting a patentability analysis. The Belk Library also includes additional scholarly communication resources. In particular, the site includes information on Managing Your Intellectual Property at Appalachian.
