Below you will find a list of USC policies and procedures related to intellectual property, along with information about researcher IP rights and responsibilities.

Researchers also contact the Stevens Center for assistance with items that are outside the Stevens Center’s purview. Please see the Other Resources page for a list of items that are not handled by the Stevens Center, along with links to the appropriate USC office or resource.

This policy aims to educate members of the university community about their rights and responsibilities regarding intellectual property. This Policy also describes the ways in which USC faculty, staff and students can protect the intellectual property that they create for their benefit as well as preserve the interests of the university and the public. The Vice President of Research, in consultation with the Stevens Center and the Office of the General Counsel, determines ownership of IP and facilitates the licensing, commercialization or other transfer of USC IP.

View and download the USC IP policy

Memorandum from the USC Office of Research that discusses the importance of reporting inventions in sufficient time to permit the filing of patent applications prior to U.S. or foreign statutory bars. Disclosure to the Stevens Center of funded inventions should be made at least 90 days prior to any public publication or presentation so that USC can fulfill its obligation to notify government sponsors. There is also a 12-minute training course, available through Trojan Learn: The Basics of Bayh-Dole (requires USC NetID and password).

View and download the disclosure memo.

Memorandum providing guidance to USC software developers — including faculty, staff, and students — on considerations for how to distribute USC-owned software. Such decisions can affect research collaborations, satisfaction of sponsor requirements, and the ability to patent inventions and software commercialization.

View and download the software memo.

View and download the related software exhibits.

This memorandum on USC intellectual property summarizes the opportunities available to students and postdoctoral scholars for commercialization, along with rights and responsibilities.

View and download the student and postdoctoral scholar memo.

Memorandum explaining the release of patent rights to USC inventors so that they may commercialize their invention independently of the university. When allowed under law, this procedure applies when, after assessment and review, USC determines that release of the patent rights is preferred to USC commercialization.

View and download the patent rights memo.