Intellectual Property Policy
Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names, and images used in commerce.
University means Richmont Graduate University.
Creator refers to any person employed by or enrolled at the university who produces works considered to be Intellectual Property.
Substantial use of university facilities means the extensive unreimbursed use of major university laboratory, computational facilities, or human resources. The use of these facilities must be important to the creation of the intellectual property; merely incidental use of a facility does not constitute substantial use, nor does extensive use of a facility commonly available to all faculty or professional staff (such as libraries and offices). Use is considered "extensive" and facilities will be considered "major" if the use of similar facilities would cost the creator more than $2000 (two thousand dollars) if purchased or leased in the public market.
Ownership of Intellectual Property
Ownership of IP produced in the normal course a creator’s connection to the university shall remain with the university. The ownership of textbooks, scholarly monographs, trade publications, student theses, maps, charts, articles in journals and newspapers, novels, nonfiction works, supporting materials, artistic works, and like works shall reside with the creator(s). Except for textbooks, the university shall have royalty-free use of the work within the university, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Students may request a one-year embargo on the display of their thesis to allow for the possibility of publication.
Funded research, other creative works, and future forms of IP creation may involve circumstances not covered in this policy. Creators who collaborate with others outside of the university may also be involved in conflicting IP claims. In these cases, creators should consult with the university President in advance to clarify IP rights.
Resolution of Disputes
All disputes over IP rights shall be settled by the university President, taking professional advice if needed.
Dissemination of Policy
This IP Policy is included in the Administrative Handbook, Faculty Handbook, and Student Handbook.