Intellectual Property

In November, 2018, the University approved a new Intellectual Property Policy covering the innovations developed here at Drexel that are protected by patents and copyrights. Approval of this policy was the culmination of a long-term effort by the administration, Faculty Senate and academic leaders of the Colleges and Schools to modernize our policies in light of changes to federal law, policies and best practices. This new policy replaces the following policies, Patent, Copyright and Courses Delivered Over the Internet, and harmonizes Drexel’s approach to intellectual property.

Highlights of the new policy include:

• Increased share of income distributed to intellectual property creators to a flat rate of 50%
• Provision, for the first time, of dedicated income shares to the creators’ laboratories, departments and colleges or schools
• Clarified the ownership of course materials by faculty and use rights of those materials by Drexel
• Permission for IP creators to freely participate in the ownership of new companies in addition to their income benefits under the policy
• Establishment of an IP Policy Advisory Committee composed of Faculty and Administration to regularly engage in policy review and guidance

A full version of the new Intellectual Property Policy is available on the Office of Provost website under Academic Policies.