Patent and Copyright Policy

The University of Arkansas commercializes world-class research to support a lasting knowledge-based economy to benefit Arkansas and the world. The University helps faculty and research scientists identify and protect intellectual property developed from their research to accomplish this goal. It shall be the policy of the University to acquire and retain legal title to all inventions created by any person or persons to whom this policy is applicable. Inventors shall retain rights in inventions which the University has chosen not to claim under this policy or pledged to a third party as a result of a grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or other sponsored research agreement. This policy shall apply to all persons employed, compensated or appointed by the University and to anyone using facilities owned, operated, or controlled by the University. It shall also apply to all inventions financed, in whole or in part, from funds under the control of the University. There are both University wide and Fayetteville campus Patent and Copyright Committees. The Fayetteville campus committee is responsible for implementing the University Patent and Copyright Policy for the campus and for the Division of Agriculture. See Board Policy 210.1 (Revised August 21, 2019) for details.