Intellectual Property Unit
This section performs functions including providing legal opinion on (the feasibility of obtaining intellectual property protection for an innovation, the measures necessary to facilitate access to an innovation, invention or new plant varieties, the transfer and licensing or commercialization of any intellectual property held by KNUST, any variation of policy and Intellectual Property agreements, any application for the transfer or licensing of KNUST’s rights, the amendment of KNUST Intellectual Property policy and all matters pertaining to Intellectual Property administration, management and diffusion, the innovators and inventors concerning the publishing of material related to an innovation, whether for academic, distribution or defensive purposes, upon management’s approval).
In addition, the section processes patent, copyright, trademark, utility model, plant breeders’ right and other applications with the Registrar General’s Department, Copyright Office and other relevant, national, regional and international offices; promotes technology transfer in a manner consistent with the University’s mission, vision, objectives and academic environment; promotes policies and procedures for technology transfer, and the avoidance of conflicts of interest, consistent with KNUST’s policies; reviews, negotiates and recommends for approval, all agreements that convey or affect KNUST’s right to intellectual property; coordinates reporting requirements and other obligations to research sponsors regarding innovation developed under a research contract or grant, including but not limited to, obligations to the Ghana Government; receives for evaluation by the appropriate committee as provided under this policy, all innovation or invention disclosures and process same in timely manner.
The section also prepares for approval, report listing the titles and brief descriptions of all innovation and invention disclosures received; receives disputes arising from the terms or implementation of KNUST Intellectual Property policy for determination by the appropriate committee and the Vice-Chancellor; provides advice and support to all staff and associates of KNUST regarding Intellectual Property policy; provides guidance in setting up new companies by KNUST’s innovators or using KNUST’s innovations and ensuring compliance with IP Policy and relevant KNUST policies; and also provide advice and support to all staff and associates of KNUST on limitation regarding filing for IP protection in foreign jurisdictions.
