The Laboratory’s ability to apply the results of its own scientific research and to effectively meet its congressionally-mandated technology transfer mission depends upon appropriate intellectual property (IP) management. The term “intellectual property” refers to creations of the mind and includes the ideas, inventions, know-how, designs, software, copyrights, patents, software apps and all other proprietary information made for Triad or made by Triad employees. Legal protections for IP generally include patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.
Summary of Policy
We all have an obligation to report through the Electronic Invention Disclosure Reporting (eIDR) webpage any inventions or copyrightable works developed during our employment by Triad and to support the Laboratory’s efforts to protect such IP. We must also respect the IP laws and the IP rights of others by complying with the conditions of license agreements entered into by Triad and by using only authorized and properly licensed copies of software. This includes not only those copies of software we purchase or license but also those we download from open source repositories. Requirements for protecting and managing IP are found in P831, Intellectual Property Management.
Do the Right Thing
- Report all inventions, whether created at the Laboratory or otherwise, and all copyrightable works (e.g., computer software), whether created at the Laboratory or otherwise. Inventions and copyrightable works that are created at the Laboratory should be reported through the online e-IDR webpage. Crypto card required for access.
- Do not violate the IP rights of third parties that may have rights in software obtained via purchase, license, or downloads from open source repositories like GitHub or otherwise.
- Do not use your software from previous assignments on Triad systems or Triad projects without concurrence from the sponsor who funded those projects. If you need assistance obtaining this concurrence, contact the Richard Feynman Center for Innovation.
Common Questions
No, that’s not right. Using the photo without permission may infringe the copyright and other IP rights of others. You should always get permission from the creator/owner of the photo before using pictures from the internet.
A: Both are forms of IP protection under U.S. and international law. Patents protect inventions, i.e., the functional aspects of an idea. Copyrights protect original works of authorship, i.e., the expression of an idea. Sometimes, the protections overlap: a patent may protect the functional aspects of certain software, while a copyright may protect the specific expression of the source code and the graphics of the same software.
Yes, you are required to disclose your software through the eIDR webpage prior to releasing your software outside of LANL. If you intend to release your software to non-US Citizens, an export control review may also be required, depending on the intended recipient(s). A final classification review of all software leaving LANL is required.
A: Yes. Just like with any software intended for release outside LANL, software intended for contribution to a third-party owned open source software repository requires disclosure. This process will ensure any requirements associated with that pre-existing repository may be identified to ensure Triad can comply.