# A Node For African Thought

Research and Innovation

To achieve and maintain the University’s vision and mission, the research and innovation division contributes mainly by promoting the research related goal of the institution which is: to drive growth in UNIZULU research and Innovation

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The Intellectual Property (IP) Office at the University of Zululand was established following an enactment of the IPR Act of 2008 which governs the Intellectual Property (IP) that emanates from publicly financed Research and Development (R&D). The office provides support to the researchers (employees and post-graduates students) at the University by creating an enabling environment to further the utilization of their research in the market and bringing research developments to the market by encouraging commercial exploitation or by placing IP in the public domain.

Key activities of the IP Office include:

  • Manage invention disclosures and evaluates them for protectability, technology strength and socio-economic marketability. First step in the process is to complete invention disclosure form.
  • Set up a framework for the identification, protection, development.
  • Develop and implement appropriate IP Protection strategy.
  • Maintenance of IP Portfolio, benefit sharing and infringements, and
  • Report to National Intellectual Property Management Office biannually regarding IP status and commercialization as required by the IPR Act.
  • Develop and implement appropriate commercialization strategies.
  • Provide commercialization services that include identifying and securing initial seed funding.
  • Negotiate and enter into IP transactions (sale, licensing and spin-out), and
  • Manage revenues from IP transactions.
  • Conduct awareness campaigns about the value, ownership and regulatory of IP.
  • Raise awareness about the IPR Act, IP Policy and benefit sharing arrangements.

Monitor legally bounding contracts and agreements for R&D collaboration and technology commercialization, and ensure compliance with the IPR Act and IP Policy.

Any matters or queries relating to IP affecting the University are handled by the IP Office and must be directed thereto.

 

Ms Bonisiwe Ndlovu

Senior Administrative Officer
IP, Innovation & Funding
Email: NdlovuBS@unizulu.ac.za
Tel: 035 902 6291