Normally, U of T retains title to inventions created solely by university employees. However, corporate sponsors of university research can obtain the exclusive rights to commercial exploitation of technology through negotiation with the university. This will usually be in the form of a technology license agreement. We understand that every business and technology development situation is unique, and we can be quite flexible in the way research and commercialization deals are structured. Nevertheless, the university always insists on retaining the right to use results for the purpose of teaching and research.
Universities are, of course, in the business of disseminating information.
However, proprietary background technology or sensitive business information can be protected through non-disclosure agreements. The results of research performed in university labs may be published if it is of scientific interest. Our students and researchers depend on publications as vital evidence of their professional accomplishment. Nevertheless, it is normal to delay the publication of research results briefly until patent applications can be filed. This allows business to commercially exploit the results without preventing researchers from publishing their work in the scientific literature.