Who owns what when we work together
Intellectual property, licensing and commercialisation, explained plainly.
Who owns what when we work together
Intellectual property, licensing and commercialisation, explained plainly.
At a glance
Who it's for
Businesses collaborating with us, licensing University technology, or exploring commercial opportunities based on research and innovation.
Cost
Initial discussions are free. Licence terms, commercial agreements and project arrangements are negotiated according to the opportunity and the value being created.
Timescales
Simple agreements can often be agreed quickly (days). More complex collaborations, licences or commercial arrangements may take longer depending on the requirements of all parties.
Best suited to
Organisations that need clarity on intellectual property, confidentiality, licensing or commercialisation before starting a project.
What's involved
If you're investing time, expertise or funding into a project, it's reasonable to ask: who owns the results?
The answer depends on the type of project and the agreement between the parties. Intellectual property created through research and innovation projects is normally addressed through the project's contract before work begins. Existing intellectual property brought into a project by either organisation remains protected and ownership arrangements for new intellectual property are agreed as part of the collaboration.
Grant funded projects typically result in new IP licenced from the university into your business. Some University-developed technologies, software, methods and know-how can also be licensed to your business for commercial use. Whereas client funded contract R&D projects give you full IP ownership and rights.
How it works
1. Talk to us early
Before sharing commercially sensitive information, tell us about your project and objectives. Early conversations often prevent problems later.
2. Agree the position
We'll discuss confidentiality, background intellectual property, ownership expectations and commercial objectives before work begins.
3. Contract
Appropriate contracts, licences or agreements are prepared to protect the interests of everyone involved.
4. Create impact
Research, development, licensing or commercialisation activity is delivered under the agreed terms.
Case study
From research tool to licensed technology
A battery modelling platform developed by University of Portsmouth researchers was supported through further development and commercialisation activity, transforming it from an academic research tool into a market-ready product with an industrial partner.
The technology was subsequently licensed for commercial use, delivering income and value for all parties. Demonstrating how research can create value for industry while generating wider economic impact.
Before you enquire
The most important conversations about intellectual property happen before a project starts.
Confidential information is shared under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) we can provide our standard NDA agreement electronically to get things started quickly.
Need clarity on ownership, licensing or confidentiality?
Tell us about your project, technology or commercial objective and we'll connect you with the right team. Need an NDA? Just ask.
Where next?
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Considering a Knowledge Transfer Partnership? A KTP combines academic expertise, structure, and government funding to turn ideas into real commercial results. Find out more.
Our innovation priorities to benefit your business
Explore our Innovation Priority Areas and find the expertise that fits your challenge.
