The IR4TD performs purpose-driven and discovery-driven research, for and in cooperation with industry, and for pure scholarly reasons. This research always leads to a better understanding of processes and the engineering fundamentals behind them, and often leads to the development of new ideas, concepts and devices. Intellectual property is usually created from this research and, although it may not have commercial value, it is always the imagination made real through the vehicle of education and dedication of the researchers.
The IR4TD approaches intellectual property with flexibility, whether it is for purpose of patents, trademarks or trade secrets. In all cases, the IR4TD will work with industry to achieve mutually achievable goals and standards, and with the University of Kentucky’s College of Engineering and Research Foundation to advance cooperative agreements that can lead to licensing, ownership and/or additional development, and prototype or commercial installations.
When necessary, the IR4TD through the University will enter into agreements in which trade secret or proprietary data and documents are not divulged during the conduct of research and concept development and during mutually-agreeable times after completion of the research. Because the IR4TD has and uses its own trade secrets, it is cognizant of the importance of protecting them.