Frequently-Asked Questions

What is Background Intellectual Property?

Background Intellectual Property (Background IP) includes any patents, software, biological materials, methods, or other proprietary tools that already existed before the project begins or were developed separately from the project and are needed to carry out the work. In nearly all cases, Background IP comes from the Project PI or the PI’s research group.

Identifying UW Background IP early allows the UW to ensure the appropriate protections, permissions, and compliance are in place. When  preparing to route a proposal or an agreement to OSP and UW Background IP will be part of a project, the UW Background IP checkbox must be selected on question D-1 of the eGC1.

Resources

• Compliance for Proposals and Agreements (Non-Financial)