NEWS RELEASES

April 15, 1999
For immediate release
 

Universities Unveil New Technology Transfer Policy

        Arizona's high technology companies and businesses should find it easier to gain access to the discoveries of Arizona's university scientists and researchers, thanks to changes under review by the Board of Regents. The new intellectual properties policy for ASU, NAU and UA was presented to the Board by university research officers and representatives of industry at its April meeting. Adoption is scheduled for May.

Major features of the new policy include:

• Coverage of copyrights and other intellectual properties in addition to patents. The previous policy dealt with patents only.
• Thresholds for when so-called windfall provisions would apply to earnings generated by university-generated discoveries
• Protections for the proprietary information shared by industry with the universities in conducting collaborative research

        "The work by university researchers and scientists to expand the horizons of knowledge can translate into economic development opportunities," said President Judy Gignac. "I am pleased that we have crafted a framework that balances the needs of state-supported research programs with the interests of businesses and industries that create jobs, and ultimately employ many of our universities' graduates."

        University researchers and officials worked with representatives from Arizona high technology, bio-medical, aerospace and other industries to build a more flexible, up-to-date framework for sharing knowledge and discoveries.

        "The hard work and careful consideration put into this new policy reflects industry's strong interest in harnessing the discoveries of Arizona's fine universities," said Steve Zylstra, chair of GSPED High Technology Cluster and an executive at Simula Industries in Phoenix. "This successful collaboration takes Arizona several steps down the road toward fully realizing its potential as an economy driven by science and technology."

- 30 -

Return to News Releases Index List

The Regents | The Universities | For the Student |  For Faculty | For Parents | Special Programs |
 Administrative/Staff | Government/Legislative  | FAQ | Site Index/Map

Contact us
Arizona Board of Regents
2020 N. Central Ave., Suite 230
Phoenix, AZ 85004-4593
Telephone: (602) 229-2500 / Fax: (602) 229-2555