§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he is introducing to clarify the ownership of intellectual property. [95836]
§ Dr. HowellsIn general, intellectual property legislation provides for creators, such as inventors in the case of patents and authors for copyright, to be the first owners of rights.
Intellectual property may be transferred by assignment or vested by operation of law (as on death or bankruptcy) in the same way as other personal property. It is not for government to become involved in such acquisition, disposal or transfer. However, we shall continue to work to ensure that clarity of ownership of intellectual property in the public sector encourages and simplifies exploitation of research in universities and public sector research establishments.