Intellectual Property

Imperial College London’s approach to intellectual property (IP) is outlined in its Intellectual Property Policy, which governs the ownership and management of IP created by students, staff, and associates.

For external IRPs, any intellectual property arrangements must be agreed directly between the student and the external organisation. We cannot act as an intermediary and do not provide legal advice or support in negotiating or interpreting these agreements. It is the responsibility of both the student and the external organisation to ensure that IP terms are clear, understood, and in place before the IRP begins.

Section 2.2 of the Intellectual Property Policy is especially relevant for students working on internal IRPs. It states:

Section 2.2 – Students
Where students generate IP in the course of their study or research they will own that IP in their own right unless one of the following applies:
(i) they generate IP which is subject to governing terms or an agreement with an external organisation whereby the IP vests with College or a third party;
(ii) they generate IP which builds upon existing IP generated by College Employees or Associates;
(iii) they generate IP jointly with College Employees or Associates; or
(iv) they are, or have the status of, College Employee (in which case they are treated by College and the law as employees).

In the above listed circumstances, students will be required to assign IP to College and, in respect of revenue generated by that IP, the student will be treated on the same basis as College Employees under the Reward to Inventors Scheme.

Students should discuss any IP-related matters with their supervisor(s) as early as possible, ideally during the project planning stage. Early discussion helps prevent misunderstandings, ensures all parties are aware of their rights and obligations, and avoids potential delays or conflicts once the project is underway.