Who owns what at Oxford?
Intellectual property (IP) ownership isn’t just about where an idea came from – who was involved, how it is funded and where it goes next, all have their part to play.
The IP ownership journey
Once we’ve assessed the social or commercial potential of your idea, we’ll work with you to protect the intellectual property, so you can continue working on its development.
The ultimate owner of the IP depends on who was involved in creating it and their employment status at the time. It can also be affected by how your research is funded – for example, some research funders require that the IP is assigned to them. But in most cases, the IP is owned by the University of Oxford.
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If you’re a student on a degree course, the University usually doesn’t claim ownership of your IP – it’s yours to develop and translate into impact.
However, the University may claim ownership of your IP if it is:
- Created with someone else whose IP the University already owns (for example, if you’re working closely with a member of staff)
- Developed using specialist University facilities or equipment
- Part of a project where the University has commitments to an external funder or partner
- Funded directly by the University
- Produced while you’re working for the University as an employee or contractor
If you're a visiting student, but not affiliated to any of the colleges, the University may own some types of IP you create while you’re here – but this usually doesn’t include your copyright.
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If you’re a member of staff, IP created in the course of your employment is usually owned by the University, specifically where it:
- Relates to your research or discipline
- Forms part of a University-funded research project
- Uses University resources (lab, staff, equipment)
For University staff taking on outside roles – like consultancy, advisory work or serving as a director - there are a few rules in place to keep things clear, especially when it comes to who owns any IP you create.
If you’re taking on paid outside work or anything that might take time away from your University duties, you’ll need approval from your Head of Department first. This helps make sure:
- That any potential conflicts of interest are raised and managed in the right way
- University resources aren’t being used in ways that might affect IP ownership
- Everyone is clear about where the work sits - inside or outside your University role
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If your idea doesn’t involve University IP and ultimately becomes a startup through our Incubator, then it’s the company that will own the IP. Although it’s created within the University’s ecosystem, it’s not the result of the University’s research, so the IP stays with the startup.
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Oxford University has active Framework IP Agreements (FIPAs) with both Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (OHFT) and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUHFT). These agreements set out how IP is managed when NHS researchers work with University academics.
Where OUHFT or OHFT staff collaborate with Oxford researchers, Oxford University Innovation (OUI) can support the protection and development of IP and help turn clinical innovation into patient and commercial benefit.
What's in it for me?
The potential to turn your idea into measurable impact is often reward in itself. But if you’ve made a significant, identifiable contribution to the IP, then you’ll also receive a share of any future proceeds – even if you leave the University.
Also, understanding the IP you have generated helps when applying for translational funding. All grant applications have a section on how this research will benefit society.
Get in touch
We'll work with you throughout the process to protect and manage your idea.