The Texas Woman's University intellectual property policy was originally approved by the Board of Regents in December 1987 and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in January 1988. The complete policy (#4.02) may be downloaded from www.twu.edu/regents/

The material set forth in this document covers the ownership, distribution, and commercial development of intellectual property developed by TWU faculty, staff, and students and others participating in TWU programs. The term "intellectual property" is broadly defined in this document to include technical innovations, inventions, and discoveries, as well as writings and other information in various forms including computer software.

This policy defines not only the ownership, distribution, and commercialization rights associated with intellectual property, but also defines policies and procedures which govern the use and distribution of the technology in its tangible form.

Inventions involving the significant use of funds or facilities administered by TWU are the property of TWU and are subject to any obligations to third parties in connection with support through the terms of a sponsored research or other agreement. The policy also includes provisions for sharing profits with the faculty members who created the intellectual property.

The Director of Research and Sponsored Programs and the Intellectual Property Committee are responsible for facilitating the transfer of TWU technology to the public use and benefit. The Intellectual Property Committee evaluates the commercial potential of TWU technology and decides whether to proceed with commercial development of the technology.

All inventions, products, or other intellectual property that may possibly be patentable or copyrightable, made by the TWU faculty, staff, or other persons associated with the University with the significant use of TWU facilities or services, shall be disclosed immediately after conception of the intellectual property and prior to obtaining a patent or copyright. Disclosure is made to the Intellectual Property Committee through completion of a TWU Intellectual Property Disclosure Form which is submitted to the Director of Research and Sponsored Programs; forms are found in Appendix A of the Intellectual Property Policy #4.02.