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This provides details on the support available to µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø innovators developing and commercialising innovations based on their research outputs. Amongst other aspects, this answers the question of whether to start a spin-out company or partner with an existing company, as well as provides pros and cons of different returns mechanisms (equity, royalty, etc) that µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø' innovators may come across.

For more information, read online and/or download the Commercialisation of µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø Innovation Guideline.

The Innovation Support unit is mandated to support the innovation activities within µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø. This includes assessing, protecting and developing research outputs of µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø researchers - whether academics, students, or others - so that they can be transferred into society and/or the economy.  If you believe that your research could be developed into a product, process or service, we would like to know about it so that we can start walking the journey with you and support getting it developed and transferred to society.

To help kick-start the journey:

• Please set up a meeting with us
• Download and complete the µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø Innovation Disclosure Form and email it to us.

The purpose of this form is to notify us, of the status and history of the research that you think can form the basis of innovation. Please provide all the necessary information as accurately as possible, or set up a meeting with us - we will GLADLY assist you!

Read online or download the  and the SA IPR Act (2008):

Intellectual Property at µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø

South African Government

• (IRP Act, 2008)

Not a µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø inventor and would like to know where to get assistance on obtaining intellectual property protection and advice; and/or funding and technology development?

Read online or download the Non µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø Inventors Guide.

Research projects are often facilitated through various types of agreements that commit parties to provide funding, deliver outcomes, transfer materials, keep ideas confidential, etc. It is, therefore, necessary to employ the services of competent legal expertise to facilitate the research process. 

The University Research Office has recently acquired a legal resource and is in the position to provide legal services for research-intensive matters. This means there are now four ports of call for legal service at µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø: (i) Legal Office, (ii) µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø Enterprise, (iii) µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø Research Office and (iv) µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø Health Consortium. The question is where is the most appropriate port of call for my legal needs?

Read online or download the Legal Services and the Research Process at µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø guide.