While insisting that research findings must be publishable, the University recognizes the legitimate proprietary interests of private sponsors. Where appropriate, publication will be delayed for a specified period in order to protect patent rights. The University also will provide the sponsor with advance copies of intended publications and provide an opportunity for comment with respect to patent matters and for the identification of any inadvertent disclosure of proprietary data. However, title to and the right to determine disposition of any material first produced or composed in the performance of sponsored research shall remain with the University. The University does not retain proprietary information or maintain the confidentiality of research results.
Publications normally acknowledge the sponsor's support.
While such acknowledgment can be omitted from publications at the sponsor's request, the identity of the sponsor, the identity of the University investigators, the nature of the research, and the value of the agreement must be reflected in University records and be available to the public. Although the University does not generate proprietary research results, there are situations in which meaningful research requires access to the sponsor's own proprietary data. Such data must be clearly designated as proprietary when they are transmitted to the University. The University retains the right to refuse to accept any such data that it does not consider essential to the research or that it believes to be improperly designated. The University's patent and copyright policy seeks to ensure that discoveries or inventions are used in ways that benefit the public while also providing adequate recognition and appropriate royalties to the responsible parties.