Universities need clearer intellectual property guidelines

“Intellectual property is important in our universities but it sometimes raises thorny issues,” writes Martha Crago for University Affairs. Canadian universities freely establish their own individual intellectual property arrangements, unlike those in the United States, which are governed by the Bayh-Dole Act. Crago discusses a number of the ways that this arrangement may be made in Canada, and how it might address the significant concerns that exist in the current situation. “Our universities make many important intellectual and economic contributions to society,” she writes, “we need to be sure that the intellectual property generated by them is handled in a respectful, well-informed, equitable, fair and transparent manner. University Affairs