Additional Provisions

Research

The University shall only enter into a research contract or other binding commitment to perform work that can reasonably be expected to be publishable, provide educational opportunities, and/or be in the public interest.

Use of the University’s Name

All written or broadcast material containing the University’s name for advertising, marketing, or other promotional purposes shall be submitted to the Vice Chancellor for approval prior to use of such material. A statement on the use of the University’s name shall be included in all appropriate contracts between industry (company) and the University.

Publication

The University shall enter into contracts or other binding commitments to conduct research and training only if they permit the disclosure and publication of research. Delays in publication up to 120 days may be agreed to in order to permit time for filing of patent applications.

Confidentiality

The faculty shall not undertake research in which the sponsor:

  1. Prohibits the Researcher/Inventor/Innovator/Creator from disclosing the existence of the agreement; or
  2. Restricts the Researcher/Inventor/Innovator/Creator’s public disclosure of information developed by that faculty member.

Avoidance of Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment

  1. Trust, good faith and open discussion of controversial issues among colleagues have always been central to the life of the University. The activities of Researchers/Inventors/Innovators/Creators must be governed by thoughtful consideration of individual circumstances, rather than rigid rules. The requirement for reporting as outlined in the following paragraphs is meant to ensure that conflicts of commitment and conflicts of interest will be considered openly and fairly, and that appropriate action will be taken to resolve those conflicts. Reporting, thus, serves to protect individual Researcher/Inventor/Innovator/Creator, the University of Cape Coast, and academic freedom in general.

  2. In cases where faculty enjoy rights to Intellectual Property under this policy, they have an obligation to report fully any outside activities and interests related to their teaching, research, or service to their Head of Department, Dean, Provost or other designated University official and obtain their prior approval before the activity begins. The report must be in writing and must include the names of companies for whom he/she consults, the number of days committed to each consulting agreement and a copy of any proposed consulting agreements associated with Intellectual Property. Consulting agreements must be reviewed for compliance with University policies and government regulations and approved by DRIC, before the consultation can begin.

  3. The holding of equity interest in a Commercial Venture by the University and faculty Inventor, and the receipt of royalties and acceptance of consultant fees, places a burden on the Inventor to report such financial interests in all relevant papers prepared for publication or oral presentation, in order to avoid later accusation that adverse results had been suppressed in order to enhance the marketability of the Invention.

Grievances

In the event that an Inventor has a grievance about the University’s handling of his/her Intellectual Property, he/she may

  1. petition the Director of DRIC in the first instance.

  2. appeal to the Office of the Vice Chancellor, in the event when the complainant is still dissatisfied.

  3. refer the matter to the University Council, if the grievance remains unresolved.

The decision of the University Council is final