Changes

So here is the problem. You are an undergraduate or graduate student with an amazing idea that you want to secure a patent for, or turn into a startup company. When you go to paten patent your idea, you find out that your University university is going to own more rights to that paten patent then you want to let go of. Like many students do, you can either allow your University university to own that much of your patenpatent, or choose to push the status quo and advocate for change to your Universities policy for universities policies about Intellectual Property. Bellow Below you will see an example of the process students have gone through that made an impacting difference on their campus by giving college students more rights to their intellectual property.

Now, you are probably reading this because you already understand somewhat some of your Universities universities policy. You need to be able to articulate to others why this policy is hindering you from becoming the most successful as possible. But be careful, most of these policies are written to be understood by educated address lawyers, and are not easily understood by most college students. You should not have to take on that entire document allowalone, that is why you are going to need some help.

'''''Lawyers''''' - It is always safe to have a lawyer review the policy and point out to you which agreements could really harm your motive behind obtaining a patent or startup company.

The purpose of gathering materials is to do your homework educate yourself for when you state your case to those who have the power to change the policy. Here are some examples of what that material research should look like.

'''''List '''''- you need to make a list that points out everything in the policy that you want changed. This list could just be one item, or it could be more than twelve. It is what you want changed.

'''''Comparison''''' - there are plenty of Universities universities out there that have flexible or strict Intellectual Property policies. Some have worked very well for the students, and some have greatly hindered them. Do your homework by comparing your policy to major Universities universities as well as local Universities universities to see what you like about them.

'''''Benefit '''''- you need to be able to summarize all of your finders and explain how changes to the policy are going to benefit the student body and the University university as a whole. Have some Be ready to show examples of how other Universities universities benefit from their policies. This is going to be the most important part when convincing the decision makers of your campus to change the policy.

Here are two articles that tremendously helped other students in building their case: 

[http://enterprise.uiowa.edu/files/enterprise.uiowa.edu/files/University%20Licensing%20%20Examples-%20Herve%20Lebret.pdf Examples and synthesis of academic equity-royalty licenses.]

You have made it this far! All of that research and sorting through policies can take many months, but now you are ready to present your work and make change happen. It is very important that you carefully search out who the "decision makers" are on your campus. Faculty, advisors, or managers that have the power to move mountains so your request is seen all the way through.

'''''Intellectual Property Manager''''' - this is the main person who is evidentially going to approve your request for policy change. Get to know who they are earlier on in your progress. Let them know what you are doing and why so that when you are finally ready to present your case for policy change, they will be more than willing to listen.

Once Even after the Intellectual Property Manger has accepted your request and is taking actions to make the changes become reality, your work is not over yet. Changing policy can take quite a bit of time, so make sure . Make certain you are stay actively engaged with what changes they are making to ensure that they fulfill what you are asking for.

*<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Make sure to have Have at least one member on your student team who is be persistent about seeing progress made.</span>*<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Really do Truly understand your homework in the research you gatherpolicy. &nbsp;The stronger you can plead your case is, through the knowledge you have gathered the easier it will be to convince managers that students will truly benefit from these changes.</span>*<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It is so important that you have Establish a relationship with a go to faculty or an advisor that who really believes in your cause.&nbsp; Someone that will listen to you and give valuable advice.</span>

  <br/>Congratulations for making it this far! You have made a substantial impact in your University university by giving more freedom to students in securing patents to their ideas and startup companies.