Draft RS02: Intellectual Property and its associated procedure replace the existing VIU policy 31.13 Intellectual Property and its associated procedure.
This Policy and its corresponding rules and procedures provide a framework for the management of Intellectual Property created by members of the Vancouver Island University community while acting in a scholarly, professional, or student capacity.
It is designed to promote a supportive climate for the development of Intellectual Property and the provision of services based on mutually beneficial partnerships that respect the interests of researchers and IP owners, the University, and the wider community.
Consultation on the draft policy is now open and members of the VIU community are invited to share their feedback. The consultation runs from December 16, 2024 until 4 pm on January 24, 2025. Input received during the community consultation will help inform changes to the proposed policy and procedure. Any feedback or submissions received after the consultation period concludes may not be reflected in the revised policy and procedure or in the consultation summary report.
Intellectual property is covered by a multijurisdictional legal framework governed by a number of different laws and regulations. This policy ensures VIU meets its legal obligations and is accountable to the Board of Governors for compliance, including with the University Act.
VIU’s existing policy and procedure were adapted to the new templates, maintaining original wording throughout. Some new content was added to comply with the new policy template.
Because of the high level of risk associated with non-compliance, the Board of Governors is being given oversight over the procedure as well as the policy. The Board of Governors, therefore, is being asked to approve the procedure in addition to the policy.
Given the original policy and procedure were developed by a lawyer for legal compliance, no content has been removed. Some content has been added to comply with the new template (see notes below). Some content has also been moved from the policy to the procedure as it is more process-oriented in nature. This makes the policy consistent with the framework and other policies.
Table of Concordance: Policy
|
Section – New Policy |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Purpose |
Combines content from the “Preamble” and “Purpose” sections of the original policy |
|
Scope and Application |
From “Scope” section of original policy |
|
Policy |
Combines content from the “Preamble” and “Purpose” sections of the original policy, with new text added for clarity (highlighted in yellow) |
|
Considerations |
|
|
Roles and Responsibilities |
|
|
Related Documents |
New |
|
Revision History |
New |
|
Appendix A: Definitions |
From “Definitions” section of original policy |
Procedure Changes
- New “Purpose” section (highlighted in yellow)
- “Scope and Applications” sections added, using content from the policy (highlighted in yellow)
- New content moved from the original policy (highlighted in green)
- All other content comes from the existing procedure
Share your input
Once you have reviewed the policy, please share your feedback in one of the following ways:
- By taking this short survey
- By sending an email to: Policy@viu.ca
- By writing to:
Policy Office
Office of the General Counsel and University Secretary
Nanaimo Campus
Building: 305, Room: 432
Mail drop: 305-4A
Feedback provided will be anonymized in all reporting.
Formal submissions
Formal submissions from groups or organizations can be submitted by email to Policy@viu.ca or in writing (see above). Please state the name of your group and the position of the person submitting the feedback. These submissions will not be anonymized and feedback will be attributed in reporting.
Thank you for participating!
Once consultation is complete, this policy will go through the Board of Governors approval process. The policy may be updated based on the feedback received. The Policy Office may also make minor changes to formatting/wording for consistency. Consultation feedback and policy changes will be outlined in the consultation report. The consultation report will be provided to the Board of Governors and posted on this policy page.
We anticipate this draft policy will be provided to the March 31, 2025 Board of Governors meeting for approval. Check back on the RS02: Intellectual Property policy page for updates as this policy moves through the policy approval process.