University of The Free State – Innovation and Business Development
University of The Free State – Innovation and Business Development, The research conducted at the UFS should have an impact on society, and the commercialisation of products, processes and services are some of the mechanisms from which society can benefit. However, it is not only about generating additional income for the University, but rather about the transfer of technology to society so that we can make a real impact and difference in the lives of the communities we serve.
The Office for Innovation and Business Development is part of the Directorate of Research Development and supports the innovation and research activities at the University by assisting with managing, authorising and negotiating research contracts. The Office deals with the protection, management and commercialisation of intellectual property at the University and the establishment of spinout companies, thereby stimulating economic growth and job creation. The Office also manages the piloting, implementation and roll out of processes of the Research Information Management System (RIMS) for the University. In addition, the office fulfils an important function with regard to workshops and information sessions on IP (intellectual property)-related aspects.
The Innovation and Business Development Team
Dr Glen Taylor
Senior Director
+27 51 401 9778
taylorgj@ufs.ac.za
Werner Nel
Deputy Director
+27 51 401 9448
nelpw@ufs.ac.za
Carminee Govender
Officer
+27 51 401 3113
GovenderC@ufs.ac.za
Legislation
- Copyright Act 98 of 1978
- Designs Act 195 of 1993
- Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act 51 of 2008
- National Environmental Management – Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004
- Patents Act 57 of 1978
- Plant Breeders Rights Act 15 of 1976
- Trade Marks Act 194 of 1993
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property describes a range of instruments that can be used to define, protect and exploit new and innovative ideas. This idea could take any of a range of forms such as an invention, a product name, a logo, the plot of a novel, a musical theme tune of the design of a product. The law recognises various categories of rights that can be established over ideas and these rights are referred to as intellectual property rights. The following categories of intellectual property rights are recognised:
- Patents
- Copyright
- Registered designs
- Trade marks, trade mark names and domain names
- Plant breeder rights
- Confidential information, Know-how and Trade secrets
Disclosure Process
The staff at the UFS are encouraged to disclose inventions and to use the support provided by the Office for Innovation and Business Development. Please follow the link below to view the generic technology transfer process at the UFS. Initial disclosure is done by the individual using the Research Information Management System (RIMS). Please contact Dr Glen Taylor at the Office for Innovation and Business Development for more information.