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Who Owns My Invention When...
Inventions/discoveries are made in my office or laboratory?
The University of Texas Board of Regents own all inventions made:
- On MD Anderson Cancer Center time, and/or
- Using MD Anderson Cancer Center resources, and/or
- Which are related to your assigned employment responsibilities
Please note that you will still be listed on the patent as the inventor of the patented material and that the appropriate rewards and compensations will apply to you, although The University of Texas Board of Regents will formally own any issued patent(s).
I invent something in my garage?
You, the inventor, own the rights to inventions discovered:
- On your own free time, and
- Using your own facilities, and
- Which are not related to your assigned employment responsibilities
However, you have a contractual obligation as an employee to report all inventions. MD Anderson Cancer Center will formally acknowledge your ownership rights to inventions made on your own time.
My invention resulted from a federal grant?
The University of Texas System owns the rights to inventions resulting from research performed under a federal grant issued to MD Anderson Cancer Center. The United States government also has certain rights in these inventions.
My invention resulted from a non-federal grant from the State or a foundation, society or association?
MD Anderson Cancer Center owns rights to inventions resulting from research performed under non-federal grants unless the granting organization specifically retains ownership of inventions via the grant agreement.
My invention resulted from funding under a Sponsored Research Agreement, Lab Study Agreement, Clinical Study Agreement, or Material Transfer Agreement with a company?
The language in the Agreement will dictate who owns the invention and who has rights to the invention. For all inventions that are disclosed to MD Anderson Cancer Center, it is crucial to also inform OTD whether or not there is a contract of any kind with a company that relates to the invention so the language can be looked at to determine who has rights.