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2008 Policy Book
First | Previous | Next | Last | 2008 Index | Policy Book Archive#21 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Research institutions, especially land grant universities, are scaling back on their agricultural research and are requiring agricultural commodity groups and associations participate financially, both in the research areas and in staff funding.
Because the licensing policies of Michigan State University (MSU) Office of Intellectual Property directly or indirectly affect cost, profitability, and marketing of Michigan agricultural commodities, it is necessary for the affected parties within the State to have input into the licensing system.
Therefore we support:
- A standing committee from Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Department of Agriculture and producer representatives of affected commodities be included in the process of MSU Office of Intellectual Property in licensing any product or material that would affect the profitability or marketing of any agricultural commodity.
- A portion of the revenue derived from the licensing of intellectual property rights flow back to the funding groups and organization.
- Licensing and commercialization opportunities remain with Michigan-based companies when appropriate.
- The right of commodity groups and organizations to have first and last right of refusal in the licensing of intellectual property rights that were at least partially funded by grower investment and developed at public institutions.
