The mission of the University of Cape Coast (“UCC” or the “University”) is supported by wellestablished academic values and practices, including academic freedom; promotion of excellence and innovation in teaching and research; support of the ability of staff, particularly faculty to publish, share information, collaborate in research activities, innovate and develop technologies that benefit the public; and support of students in full participation in these and other educational activities. This policy was developed in consultation with best international practices.

This Intellectual Property (IP) policy applies, among other things, to all research, including selfsponsored and other sponsored projects conducted by or under the auspices of UCC, whether funded by an external or international sponsoring agency, UCC or another funding source. The Research Policy of UCC, Gazette volume 52 number 11, December, 2014, clearly sets out these funding sources. It is the policy of UCC to comply with requirements imposed by an external sponsoring agency and by Ghana law, including but not limited to the Patent Act, 2003 (Act 657), the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690) and with other legal obligations applicable to UCC. This Intellectual Property policy resonates with the tenets of the research policy of UCC. The research policy provides the framework for delineating the links between research, innovation and consultancy. Sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the research policy define what constitute innovation and intellectual property policy in the context of UCC.

In addition, this IP policy is in compliance with Ghana sponsoring agency requirements and Ghana’s Intellectual Property Rights Policy. Research must be conducted in accordance with UCC policies. Each member of the University Community is responsible for assuring his or her compliance with the requirements applicable to such person’s specific research and other sponsored projects. As set out in the Research Policy, the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) is mandated to coordinate research activities in the University. Therefore, DRIC in consultation with the Directorate of Legal, Consular and General Services of the University of Cape Coast will be responsible for operationalizing this IP policy.