Intellectual Property and Research Policies

Intellectual Property and Commercialization

As outlined in our Commercialization Framework, Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to maximizing the benefits of research undertaken at Laurier for the benefit of the citizens of Ontario and its economy. We seek to create an ecosystem that drives innovation that strengthens human health and well-being, the economy, communities, and the planet. We are committed to the management and protection of intellectual property (IP) generated by our researchers to maximize commercial opportunities and benefits to society. Our commitment is reinforced in our Research Strategy where knowledge dissemination, research excellence, partnerships, and future readiness are weaved throughout.

In accordance with the Commercialization Mandate Agreement framework of the Province of Ontario, Laurier has the following policies, procedures and resources in place to manage and incentivize the commercialization of intellectual property (IP).

Policies and processes for IP and commercialization are governed by Collective Agreements between the University and Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association and University Policies. Laurier has an inventor-own policy, thus, a faculty member or a student owns the IP they create.

• Article 36 in the WLUFA Collective Agreement for Full-Time Faculty and Professional Librarians
• Article 20 in the WLUFA Collective Agreement for Contract Teaching Faculty and Part-Time Librarians
• University Policy 11.3, Ownership of Student-Created Intellectual Property.
• Procedures for Disclosure and Commercialization of Student-Created Intellectual Property

Education and Resources on research, IP, and commercialization are available to inform researchers about conducting research leading to the generation of new knowledge and IP.

• IP and Technology Transfer Guide for Laurier Researcher
• Canadian Intellectual Property Office – IP Academy
• Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON)
• IP Education Course, University of Toronto Entrepreneurship
• Foundation of IP Strategy, Massive Open Online Course, Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
• Knowledge Management and Communication (Ontario University Research Collaboration)

The Office of Research Services promotes and supports research partnerships with a wide range of organizations and individuals by facilitating access to and engagement with Laurier’s robust and dynamic innovation ecosystem.

• Partner with a Researcher - learn about the different ways our researchers' partner with external organizations and individuals.
• Laurier has in-house incubators and accelerators such as StartUp Lab and LaunchPad Brantford.
• We also work with external incubators and accelerators such as Communitech, Accelerator Centre, and HalTech.

Should you have any questions about IP commercialization, please contact the Industry Liaison Specialist. 

Laurier Research Policies

All research conducted at or by Laurier or its personnel must conform to institutional policies. Contact the Office of Research Services if you have any questions about the following policies:

See University-Level Policies for the following policies relevant to research and researchers.

• 8.1: Conflict of Interest Policy
• 8.2: Ethics Approval for Administrative Research Projects Using Human Subjects
• 11.1: Establishment, Operation and Review of Research Centres
• 11.2: Contract Research
• 11.3: Ownership of Student-Created Intellectual Property
• 11.4: Equipment and Materials Purchased through Grants and Contracts
• 11.5: Use of Animals in Research, Testing and Teaching
• 11.6: Financial Administration of Research Awards and Contracts (administered by the Office of Research Services)
• 11.7: Financial Administration of Research-Related Fund Accounts (not administered by the Office of Research Services)
• 11.8: Signing of the External Grant and Contract Cover Sheet
• 11.10: Research Involving Biohazardous and Radioactive Materials
• 11.11: Establishment and Recognition of Research Collaborations other than Centres and Institutes
• 11.12: Research Support Fund
• 11.13: Ethics Review of Research Involving Humans
• 11.14: Policy for the Responsible Conduct of Research

Related Information

• Canada Research Continuity Emergency Fund
• Research Support Fund Reporting (Office of Research Services)
• Research Support Fund (Government of Canada information)
• WLUFA Collective Agreement (see Article 36: Intellectual Property, Patents and Copyright; and Article 37: Fraud and Misconduct in Academic Research and Scholarly Activity)