Definitions
The following terms and expressions shall have the meanings assigned to them below in accordance with this policy and the regulations in force in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
AlMaarefa University Intellectual Property Policy.
Ministry of Education.
AlMaarefa University.
The university regulations issued by Royal Decree in accordance with the applicable laws in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Faculty Member / Employee / Student / Staff: As defined and classified in the policy.
Visiting Professor, Partner, Partnership, Beneficiary: As defined in the policy.
All outputs of human creativity, including inventions, trademarks, copyrights, drawings, designs, models, concepts, processes, technologies, databases, trade names, plant varieties, trade secrets, and other creative outputs.
Invention, Patent, Trademark, Industrial Models, Trade Secrets, Protection Document, Inventor, Creator, Author, Copyright: According to the texts provided in the policy and relevant regulations.
Patent Cooperation Treaty as defined in the relevant international regulations.
Intellectual property rights that existed prior to the agreement or outside its scope.
Funding / Funding Agreement / Commercial Exploitation: As defined in the policy.
Office / Advisory Board / Intellectual Property Management: The internal university bodies responsible for IP governance.
Tangible Research Assets, Disclosure, Disclosure Forms, Total Revenues, Intellectual Property Expenses, Non-Exclusive/Exclusive License, Revenues: As defined and regulated in the policy.
First: University Inventions
Inventions and innovations created by members of AlMaarefa University, whether faculty members, employees, collaborators, visiting professors, or students, belong to AlMaarefa University, while the inventor has the right to receive appropriate compensation as determined by the university according to this policy, and based on the provisions of the patent law and design regulations for integrated circuits, plant varieties, and industrial models, in accordance with applicable laws in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Conditions for University Ownership of Inventions:
- If the invention results from the assignment of an employee or employees by the university to carry out the research under the full supervision and management of the university.
- If the invention results from using university resources and capabilities in developing the invention.
- If the invention is created by university staff during official working hours or study periods and within their academic specialization.
- If the invention results from a research grant, contract, or agreement with the university whereby the rights are transferred to the university.
Waiver of Rights: The university may waive intellectual property rights to the inventor if it has no interest in the invention, based on the recommendation of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center and the approval of the advisory board and the university president.
Second: Inventions through Partnership Agreements
Prior Intellectual Property
Prior intellectual property must be clearly identified for each party before starting the partnership to ensure existing rights are not affected.
Ownership During Partnership
- University Resources: If university employees create the invention without using partner resources, ownership belongs to the university.
- Partner Resources: If the invention is created by a partner employee without using university resources, ownership belongs to the partner.
- Joint Contributions: Where both contribute resources or efforts, the university seeks to establish joint ownership or exclusive license according to each party’s contribution.
Joint Inventions
Joint inventions are managed according to the partnership agreement between AlMaarefa University and the partner entity.
Third: Employee Inventions During an Official Assignment at a Host Entity
The rights and obligations of an AlMaarefa University employee (inventor) are equivalent to those as if the invention occurred within the university, taking into account any provisions stipulated in the agreement between the university and the host entity.
Fourth: Contractor Inventions
The provisions applicable to university employees also apply to contractors unless explicitly stated otherwise in the contract executed between the parties.
Fifth: Visiting Professor and Resident Student Inventions
- Any prior obligations regarding ownership of the invention must be disclosed within the residency agreement.
- University employee provisions apply unless otherwise specifically stated in the approved agreement.
Sixth: Beneficiary Inventions
Agreements between the university and the beneficiary govern the rights and duties of both parties. If the agreement allocates ownership to the beneficiary, AlMaarefa University is granted an exclusive, free, and reasonably timed right to obtain a license for the areas of use that concern the university. This right applies to all related types of intellectual property.
Seventh: National Security Inventions
National security inventions are subject to the provisions of the system issued by Royal Decree No. (M/27) dated 29/05/1425H and its amendments, in addition to Cabinet Resolution No. 536 dated 19/10/1439H, while adhering to all related regulations and instructions issued by competent authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Eighth: Procedures for Handling Policy Violations
The controls set out in the Disclosure and Confidentiality section of AlMaarefa University’s Intellectual Property Policy shall strictly apply:
- No information may be disclosed prior to obtaining approval from the Intellectual Property Management Office.
- Approved disclosure forms must be utilized.
- Deadlines for reporting inventions and related innovations must be rigorously observed.
- Full confidentiality of all intellectual property information must be maintained.
Any violation of these controls is addressed through the university’s designated channels and in accordance with the applicable regulations, ensuring the protection of the rights of both the university and the inventors.
IP Management & Innovation Inquiries
For inquiries regarding invention disclosures, patent applications, or commercial licensing, contact our official channels: