Intellectual property includes certain artistic and creative works, commercial inventions and devices, and technology developed by Ball State faculty, staff, students, and others participating in Ball State programs. Technology within this framework includes technical innovations, inventions, and discoveries as well as digital and emerging media or other creative works.
Some examples of intellectual property include:
- drawings
- paintings
- music
- poems
- textbooks
- scientific discoveries
- device or “gadget”
- software
- instructional CD or DVD
- learning tools
- unique methodologies
- processes and know-how that may constitute protected trade secrets
Examples of innovations that are not considered intellectual property include:
- ideas
- theories
- mathematical methods
- discoveries of natural substances
The intellectual property
checklist includes questions to help you determine if your work meets the criteria for intellectual property.