For Researchers

Intellectual Property & Commercialisation Principles

The following high-level Intellectual Property and Commercialisation Policy Principles guide RIRDC protection and commercialisation activities:

• Maximise the uptake and benefits flowing from research investment in Australian rural industries by making new technologies, products, processes and services available as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible.
• Be undertaken in the broader context of increased profitability and sustainability of Australian rural industries. Returns through royalties to RIRDC, licence fees, etc, are products of commercialisation and should not be key drivers.
• Facilitate RIRDC's ability to influence the development of the Intellectual Property and the progress of its commercialisation to ensure Australian rural industries are the primary beneficiaries of RIRDC funded research.
• Ensure the building of strong, sustainable alliances with the rural sector, related commercial industries and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure royalties and other financial returns are channelled back into related rural industries research.
• Ensure RIRDC funded intellectual property, not involving commercial-in-confidence restrictions, is available free of charge for research purposes.
• Be managed with due care, skill, diligence and accountability in accordance with all relevant legislation, policies and guidelines, including those relating to different cultural and community knowledge.