Mine, Yours, or Ours? Perceptions of Student-Created Intellectual Property Ownership
In this mixed-methods study, we examined student and administrator perceptions concerning student-created intellectual property (IP) ownership in the higher education setting. Survey results showed students had low levels of IP-related knowledge and worried that the university might claim ownership of their ideas or class projects. Students also reported inadequate communication from the university concerning IP policy rules and technology transfer processes. Interviews with campus IP administrators about student survey results led us to assert that communication inadequacies are perpetuating misunderstanding between students and university IP ownership intentions. Recommendations include implementation of several proactive communication activities and an IP training program for faculty.