Create, identify, and protect intellectual property

Translating research discoveries into broader knowledge, or into products and services that can have global benefits to society, is an integral part of the mission of Duke University. This can be accomplished through licensing intellectual property rights to existing companies or to startups, or through open sharing of innovations that others may use and build upon. Researchers should plan for these activities at the idea generation stage.

Many Duke offices provide services to help faculty, staff, and students with all aspects of innovation and entrepreneurship ranging from market and technology assessment of new ideas, intellectual property (IP) protection strategies, identifying translational funding, startup company business modeling, introductions to potential investors, and appropriate attribution and credit for innovations.

Intellectual property, patents, and copyrights

Intellectual property matters should be considered early and often during the research process, in particular as ideas are being developed and prior to any publication. Why? An early discussion with the Duke Office for Translation and Commercialization (OTC) ensures that innovations are appropriately protected, the correct contributors are listed, and if necessary, agreements are in place prior to engaging in collaborative works within and beyond Duke.

Duke ScholarWorks, within the Duke Libraries, can help develop plans to share copyrightable work with researchers and the public across the globe. The Office of Copyright and Scholarly Communications can answer questions about copyright and fair use, and address licensing, privacy, and other legal issues related to using other people’s work in a project, and publishing new research for others to use.

Before publicly disclosing ideas (preferably three months prior), please contact OTC to determine whether intellectual property protection is needed.

Innovation and commercialization

The Office for Translation and Commercialization (OTC) works closely with researchers to assist with questions related to marketability, funding sources, commercial partners, patenting and other protection methods, new business start-up considerations, and University policies and procedures to ensure the best path for new innovations. Public disclosures (e.g. abstracts, presentations, journal manuscripts) might impact the ability to obtain patent protection. Contact OTC early and often, especially as research findings are planned to be shared with others.   

External partnerships

Duke’s Office for External Partnerships (OEP) will work with faculty and research staff to establish, facilitate, and support an arrangement with external industry, government, or non profit partners that aligns with both the interests of the institution, and individual faculty member's research interests and objectives. By initiating conversations between faculty and partners, OEP provides a valuable opportunity to learn more about the possibilities of collaboration and establish connections with organizations that can contribute to research in terms of financial support and resources.