Understanding how intellectual property (IP) and embargoes apply to your research is essential, especially if your project involves commercial potential, external partners or sensitive data.
IP can be complex, so it is best to raise any questions early in your candidature. Speak with your Principal Supervisor or Graduate Research Coordinator to avoid unnecessary delays. If needed, you are encouraged to seek independent legal advice.
Intellectual property refers to the legal rights associated with creations of the mind. This includes:
Read more about the University’s Intellectual Property Policy and Procedure.
Students own the IP they create unless:
Where assignment of IP is required, the assignment must be confirmed in writing in an IP Assignment Deed Poll (or equivalent IP Assignment Deed).
Graduate Researchers must be informed of the implications and encouraged to obtain independent advice.
Copyright in student theses normally remains with the author unless otherwise agreed.
Transitional note: Until all commercialisation, contractual, employment and revenue-sharing arrangements of the foundation universities are fully harmonised, the pre-existing rights and obligations arising under those arrangements continue to apply. Where uncertainty arises, the process or agreement in effect at the originating foundation university applies.
Ths information is only relevant for graduate researchers following the University of Adelaide IP Policy.
Under the University of Adelaide’s Intellectual Property (IP) Policy, you retain ownership of the IP you create during your studies, unless your research falls into one of two specific categories:
Whether Case A or B applies is determined through your Initial Review . If either applies, the University will require you to sign a Student IP Deed Poll - a legal document that transfers your IP rights (excluding copyright) to the University.
This assignment of rights ensures the University:
If your project falls under Case A, the University will cover the cost of protecting the IP (where commercially feasible) and ensure your contribution is recognised and rewarded in line with staff entitlements, such as sharing in proceeds from commercialisation, in accordance with the IP Policy.
If you or your Principal Supervisor have concerns about signing the Deed Poll, contact the Graduate Research School.
Please note:
The Graduate Research School will send the Deed Poll to relevant graduate research students for signature. Some third-party partners (e.g. CSIRO, SAHMRI, SA Pathology, CRCs) may have their own student agreements with additional IP provisions. Depending on the circumstances, a Student IP Deed Poll may still be required alongside these agreements.
The University supports open access to research. Most theses are made publicly available via the Adelaide Research and Scholarship (AR&S) Digital Repository and Trove.
However, you may apply to restrict access to your thesis for a limited time. If approved:
Embargoes are typically granted for 12 months up to two years from submission. In exceptional cases, such as national security concerns, an extension or a permanent embargo may be approved. If you need an extension, apply at least two months before the embargo expires. Otherwise, it will lift automatically.
Common reasons for requesting an embargo include:
To apply, complete the Embargo Application. Submit your application as early as possible, preferably well before thesis submission, to avoid delays in examination.
To remove an embargo before it expires, please contact the Graduate Research School.
For creative works such as novels or musical performances, you may request an embargo on the work itself. However, embargoes are not normally granted for the exegesis. Ensure your thesis and exegesis are submitted as separate files.
