University/Industry Relations

In accord with its education, research and public service mission, the University of California, Berkeley seeks to commercialize the results of its research to benefit the public. University/industry alliances expand the research and technological capabilities of both sectors and facilitate the commercial application of useful research findings.

The Office of Intellectual Property and Industry Research Alliances (IPIRA) is comprised of two divisions: the Office of Technology Licensing (OTL), and the Industry Alliances Office (IAO). OTL handles the patenting and licensing of intellectual property generated by Berkeley research. The Industry Alliances Office is responsible for negotiating contract and grants with industrial partners. Together they provide leadership for all campus research relationships with industry. They work to enhance cooperation between the campus and industry and to ensure the optimal and appropriate transfer of intellectual property generated by Berkeley researchers into products and procedures enhancing private enterprise and public benefit. Its goal is to maximize the benefits of Berkeley’s research to the economy and quality of life in the Bay Area, the State of California, the nation, and the world.

IPIRA works closely with all segments of the campus community in brokering and facilitating industry-sponsored research support and development; working to overcome obstacles to these relationships; and ensuring they remain consistent with the University's mission of education, research and public service.

With its two constituent divisions, IPIRA provides one stop service for both faculty and industry on

• industry collaboration agreements,
• industry-sponsored research agreements,
• material transfer agreements,
• patent and copyright licenses,
• intellectual property issues
• and outreach to industry
• start-up companies

In performing its functions, IPIRA works closely with the campus Sponsored Projects Office on research contracts and grants; and with the campus Corporate and Foundation Relations Office on industry gifts to research.

Relevant UC policies governing university/industry relations can be found at the following links:

UC Patent Policy

• UC Patent Policy (OTL)
• UC Patent Policy (OTT)

UC Copyright Policy

• Copyright Policy (OTL)

UC Policies on Faculty Consulting

• Guidance for Faculty and Other Academic Employees on Issues Related to Intellectual Property and Consulting (OTT)
• Faculty Outside Professional Activities (UCB)
  

UC Equity Policy

• UC Equity Policy (OTT)

University/Industry Relations

• UC Guidelines on University/Industry Relations (OTT)
• Current UC Guidelines On Industry-University Relations (Adopted May 1989)
  Annotated For Consideration By Participants In The President's Retreat On University/Industry Relations (January 1997)
• Use of University Research Facilities/University Regulation No. 4, Special Services to Individuals and Organizations, Academic Personnel Manual, Section 020 (1958)
  

UC Conflict of Interest Policies

• UC Policy and State Law Concerning Conflicts of Interest (OTT) (16K PDF)
  
• University of California Policy on Disclosure of Financial Interests and Management of Conflicts of Interest Related to Sponsored Projects
  
• Principles Regarding Rights to Future Research Results in University Agreements with External Parties
  
• Managing Potential Conflicts of Interest in Licensing Under the California Political Reform Act (OTT)
  

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