UWA considers intellectual property judgement

The University of Western Australia is considering its options following a judgement from the Full Bench of the Federal Court relating to the University’s right to protect its investment in intellectual property developed by its staff.

The Full Bench dismissed an appeal by the University against a decision last year by the Hon Justice Robert French.

In the action against former employee Dr Bruce Gray, the University claimed the ownership and profits arising from the exploitation of patents and other intellectual property developed by Gray and others while he was an employee.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said the University initiated the action following independent legal advice in order to protect its intellectual property and to uphold its regulations on ownership of patents developed by its staff.

“The University’s course of action was a matter of principle that had important ramifications for the protection of intellectual property and the flow-on benefits of university-initiated research to the broader community,” Robson said.

Robson said the judgement required detailed consideration before further comment could be made.