Research universities are critical contributors to our national research enterprise. They are the principal source of a world-class labor force and fundamental discoveries that enhance our lives and the lives of others around the world. These institutions help to create an educated citizenry capable of making informed and crucial choices as…

Increased university efforts to help faculty members transfer the results of their research from the laboratory to the marketplace are posing ethical dilemmas for both institutions and scholars. Stanford's Office of Technology Licensing is cited, as are biotechnology developments, and secrecy and competitiveness issues. (LB)

Considers the value issues raised by the commercial ties formed between university scientists and commercial corporations. Presents arguments for and against patents on the results of university research. Compares cases involving an independent inventor, groups of industrial researchers, and university researchers. (ML)

Basic ethical guidelines for intellectual property disputes between universities and industry include (1) negotiate in best faith; (2) vest patent ownership in the university partner; (3) grant the industrial partner exclusive license in most desired field of use; (4) allow industrial partner to negotiate over serendipitous discoveries outside…

Addresses conditions and concerns involved in accommodating the interests of both innovators of new technologies and the general public. Discusses the tension that exists in intellectual property law between innovators and competitors. Focuses on cases dealing with computer software and semiconductor chip designs, genetically-engineered life…