Management of intellectual property in publicly-funded research

FOREWORDThis expert group on ”intellectual property issues in publicly-funded research” was organisedby the Research DG of the European Commission, in the context of a series of activitiessupporting the European Research Area (ERA) activities and aiming at implementing the“3 % action plan”.A group of external experts was invited to meet and discuss this topic, and to provide a set ofrecommendations regarding the management of intellectual property in publicly-fundedresearch organisations, which could serve as a basis for the development of Europeanguidelines. This report includes a review of the background, problem areas and currentsituation, and examines options for action by the public research organisations (PROs,including universities), industry and public authorities.The expert group was also attended by members of the Commission services, who providedbackground information on relevant activities.This expert group report was written and assembled by the Rapporteur and the Chairman,with the aid of all group members and the Commission officer responsible.This report is the property of the European Commission, and will be publicly available anddisseminated in printed form. It is also available on the Commission Web sitehttp://europa.eu.int/comm/research/era/3pct. Reproduction is authorised provided the sourceis acknowledged.DISCLAIMER: Although members of the Commission services participated in thisexpert group and provided assistance in assembling this report, the views expressedboth individually and collectively in this report are those of the external experts, andmay not in any circumstances be regarded as stating an official position of the EuropeanCommission.iii