Protection of Intellectual Property
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.