INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (IPR) CELL

UNIVERSITY OF CALCUTTA

(Funded by the RUSA 2.0 & DSTBT, WB)

Goals of the University of IP Policy

  • Provide legal certainty.
  • Promote scientific research and technological development.
  • Encourage researchers to consider the possible opportunities for exploiting an invention so as to increase the potential flow of benefits to society.
  • Provide an environment that supports and encourages innovation and development.
  • Balance the various conflicting interests of universities, industry and society.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable national laws and regulations.

The National Intellectual Property Right Policy (National IPR Policy), established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 2016, aims to develop and safeguard intellectual property rights within India. The Intellectual Property Rights Policy Management (IPRPM) framework of the nation encompasses the following different types of IP rights: (i) Patents, (ii) Trademark, (iii) Industrial Designs, (iv) Copyrights, (v) Geographical Indications, (vi) Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Layout Design, (vii) Trade Secret, and (viii) Plant Varieties.
The Intellectual Property (IP) Policy of the University of Calcutta is the first IP policy of the University formulated after inception of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Cell, RUSA 2.0 & DSTBT (vide Notice R/258/23; date 30/11/2023). The IP Policy of the University of Calcutta is approved by Prof. Dr. Santa Datta(De),the Hon’ble Vice- Chancellor on 20th January 2025.  This is framed considering the provisions of creativity and innovation to provide a complete guidance to the stakeholders/Members of the University (faculty members, research scholars (PhD, Postdoc, visiting scholars, research assistants and all research and project personnel), students, visiting faculty and others associated with the university through contract) (not including the affiliated colleges or Sister Institutions). The Policy will not only protect the university fraternity from possible infringement and conflict of interest, but also govern its management, royalty, technology transfer, exploitation and commercialization, without impeding the missions of the University.The provisions of IP Policy of the University of Calcutta are based on the WIPO Intellectual Property Policy Templatefor Universities and Research Institutions, WIPO, Geneva”, The National Intellectual Property Right Policy (National IPR Policy, 2016) and The model guidelines of IPR policy in Academic Institution, prepared by the Cell for IPR Promotion & Management (CIPAM).
All Members of the University community (mentioned above) should abide by the IP Policy of the University (w.e.f. 20.1.2025) and the existing IP laws of India.

Policy at a Glance

  • The Policy applies to all the IPs (owned by University Members) created using the University facilities.
  • The University Members are obligated to declare all IPs and transfer their ownership to the University.
  • Any pre-owned IPs will be excluded from the Policy in terms of
  • renewal, legal disputes etc.
  • Any potential University IP needs to be first declared to and cleared by the IPR Cell before publication. Members shall grant to the Institution a non-exclusive, royalty free license to use their Scholarly Works for the University’s Research and teaching-learning purposes.
  • University’s IP will be part of the Public Domain under the following circumstances: a. if agreed through Research Contract; or b. if Open Educational Resources (OERs) or resources licensed through Open Source or Creative Commons Licences are used, and the licensing conditions require release into the Public Domain.
  • The University will not be responsible for any IP violations arising out of usage of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Responsible AI may only be used for checking grammar and plagiarism, improving readability and conducting research on AI itself.
  • Any potential IP needs to be disclosed via IP Disclosure Form to the IPR Cell of the University.
  • Creators shall keep appropriate records of their Research in compliance with the Policy and with access restricted to only the individuals within the Institution for the performance of their regular duties.
  • The University of Calcutta seeks to incentivize IP expenses of potential inventors subject to availability of fund.
  • In case of co-ownership with an outside organization, the Gross IP Revenue received by the Institution will be shared as per agreement.
  • The University shall have the sole discretion regarding the Commercialization (license, sale, joint ventures, royalty-free access, or combinations thereof) of IP owned by it, which shall be planned, executed, and monitored by the IPR Cell with reasonable involvement of the Creators.
  • Primary commitment of time and intellectual contributions of Staff Members’ and Visitors’ shall be to the education, research and academic programs of the University for the best interest of the University, in compliance with work ethic and research integrity. Their agreements with external parties shall not conflict with their duties and responsibilities at the University.
  • The University makes no claim of ownership of copyright in works of authorship created by members of its community, unless such works qualify as "Works Made for Hire" clause under Section 17 of the Indian Copyright Act.
  • All materials supplied to students by course coordinators and posted on the University Website shall have copyright compliance and be properly managed. Digitization and posting of the copyrighted materials shall be through the Library's Digital Resources Management Centre.

Click to download full IP Policy of the University of Calcutta (Link to pdf)