POLICY 4.12.8.11 - Dispute Resolution

The Intellectual Property Dispute Committee (IPD Committee) shall be an ad hoc committee formed when necessary by joint appointments made by the provost and the president of the Faculty Senate. The IPD Committee shall be composed of five members of the university community reflective of the parties involved. The president of the Faculty Senate shall appoint three faculty members; the provost shall appoint two additional committee members. The president of the Faculty Senate shall appoint the chair from among the committee members.

The IPD Committee shall consider, investigate and make recommendations toward resolution of disputes concerning ownership of copyrightable or patentable works and allegations or unauthorized use or copyright infringement of copyrightable or patentable works. It shall review all relevant evidence submitted to it before making its recommendation to the vice president for administration and finance. The IPD Committee’s recommendation is to be made no later than 60 days after receiving the matter for consideration. The IPD Committee’s recommendation is determined by a majority of all its members voting by secret ballot at a meeting at which over one-half its appointed members are present.

After receiving the recommendation of the IPD Committee, the vice president for administration and finance will make a decision concerning ownership or infringement. The vice president’s decision shall be made no later than 30 days after receiving the IPD Committee’s recommendation. That decision will be transmitted in writing to the appropriate person or persons and to their or her departmental administrator and dean. The decision may be appealed to the president of the university.