III.E. Patent and Tangible Research Property Policies and Procedures

(Source: Resolution of the Trustees, January, 1966; revised, June 18, 1993 and Offices of the President and Provost, Almanac, March 15, 1994; revised, Resolution of the Trustees, February 11, 2005 and Offices of the Provost and the Faculty Senate, Almanac, February 22, 2005; revised, Office of the Provost, Almanac, February 7, 2006; revised, Resolution of the Trustees, June 18, 2010 and Office of the Provost, Almanac, July 13, 2010; revised, Office of the Provost, Almanac, April 21, 2015; revised, Office of the Provost, Almanac, February 4, 2020; revised, Office of the Provost, Almanac, August 10, 2021; revised, Office of the Provost, December 16, 2022; revised, Office of the Provost, Almanac, October 10, 2023)

The University periodically revises and updates its policies and procedures regarding patents and tangible research property, to ensure that these policies and procedures continue to meet the needs of the Penn community. The updated policy, effective October 1, 2023, contains an adjustment to the distribution of commercialization revenue as described in section 4.0.14: INITIAL DEDUCTION. This adjustment expands the range of the INITIAL DEDUCTION of GROSS PCI REVENUES from 5%-25% to 0%-25% and allows changes to be implemented at any time of the fiscal year. A reduction of the INITIAL DEDUCTION results in increased revenue distributions to the inventors, schools, and university. The Executive Committee of the Penn Center for Innovation approved the adjustment, and the Council of Deans and the Faculty Senate Executive Committee were notified.

—John L. Jackson, Jr., Provost

—Dawn Bonnell, Senior Vice Provost for Research

(Note: Words appearing in capital letters are defined in Article 4, unless they are defined in the document itself.)

Article 1. Preamble

1.0 The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania (the University) affirm the following principles as the basis for governing the intellectual property created by faculty, employees, students, and guest scholars of the University:

1.1 The mission of the University includes the stimulation of basic and applied research activities of faculty, employees, and students of the University and the dissemination of the results of their research for the purpose of adding to the body of knowledge and serving the public interest.

1.2 The purpose of this policy is to encourage and enable faculty, employees and students to translate new knowledge into social good and provide a framework within which the University can support and facilitate these actions.

1.3 The University endeavors, where it deems appropriate, to secure intellectual property protection for the products of such research and to encourage commercial investment in and development of University intellectual property for the benefit of the public.

1.4 The community has endowed the University with certain privileges, resources, and assets in the expectation that no single party will derive sole benefit or be unjustly enriched from what the community has endowed to the University.

1.5 The University as a non-profit organization endeavors to marshal its resources and exploit its assets to serve the public interest and in so doing reinvests in the research enterprises of its faculty, employees, and students. Members of the University community share in the University’s responsibility to serve the public interest and have a duty to disclose and assign their inventions.

1.6 The University is regularly the recipient of grants from the government, foundations or commercial enterprises for the support of research and is subject to legal and contractual obligations imposed by these entities.

1.7 The University wishes to share the economic benefits of inventions or other intellectual property with the creators of such works in a way that is consistent with the research and educational mission of the University and conforms to the University’s obligations to regulatory authorities, research sponsors, and licensees.

1.8 In protecting and managing its intellectual property assets, the University insists that the academic freedom of its faculty and students be preserved and that collegiality and the open expression of ideas by and among members of the University community be encouraged.

Article 2. Policy and Procedures on Inventions and Patents

2.0 Policy Statement on Inventions and Patents. It is the policy of the University that all INVENTIONS, together with associated MATERIALS, which are conceived or reduced to practice by INVENTORS in the course of employment at the University, or result from work directly related to professional or employment responsibilities at the University, or from work carried out on University time, or at University expense or with SUBSTANTIAL USE OF UNIVERSITY RESOURCES under grants or otherwise, are the property of the University, effective immediately as of the time such INVENTIONS are conceived or reduced to practice. INVENTORS hereby irrevocably assign to the University all right, title and interest in and to the INVENTIONS, MATERIALS and related patent applications and patents, and shall cooperate fully with the University in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications and patents. Patents, as they may be available on such INVENTIONS, may be applied for in any country by the University. The University will exercise its ownership and management of such INVENTIONS, with or without economic benefit, with due regard for the principles set forth in the Preamble (Article 1) of this PATENT POLICY. Procedures for implementation of this PATENT POLICY, including a PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT, shall be developed and promulgated by the President of the University.

2.1 Procedures for the Administration and Management of Inventions and Patents. The following procedures have been approved by the President as of the EFFECTIVE DATE:

2.1.1 Participation Agreement. All faculty, emeritus faculty, visiting faculty or other visitors using research facilities (including but not limited to individuals on sabbatical from another university or research facility), researchers, adjunct faculty, postdoctoral employees and trainees, graduate students and undergraduate students participating in research as employees or otherwise, and all salaried employees, shall execute a PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT (Appendix A) as a condition of employment, matriculation, participation in research or use of University resources. Notwithstanding the above, an individual acknowledges that they are bound by this PATENT POLICY by accepting or continuing University employment or by using University resources or facilities, and acknowledges that they hereby irrevocably assigns all right, title and interest in and to INVENTIONS, together with associated MATERIALS, and patent applications  and patents which may issue, effective as of their first date of employment, matriculation, participation in research or use of any University resources, whichever occurs first, regardless of whether they execute or have executed a PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT. All students shall be advised of the University’s intellectual property policies and procedures through publication and dissemination in the Penn Book (https://catalog.upenn.edu/pennbook/) and elsewhere.

2.1.2 Disclosure and Review. INVENTORS shall file INVENTION DISCLOSURES for all INVENTIONS covered by the PATENT POLICY promptly with the PENN CENTER FOR INNOVATION (PCI) at the University. PCI shall direct the review and management of the INVENTIONS under procedures and practices monitored by the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. PCI will undertake the review of the INVENTION DISCLOSURE within thirty (30) business days after the submission is completed, or, if requested by one or more INVENTORS, PCI will use reasonable efforts to undertake the review sooner if necessary to facilitate an upcoming publication, presentation or other public disclosure which could adversely affect whether to pursue patent protection. PCI will convey its determination of whether the University wishes to retain title to and pursue a patent application on an INVENTION as soon as practicable, in writing, after completing its review of a completed INVENTION DISCLOSURE submission and use reasonable efforts to convey such decision to all INVENTORS within three (3) months after receiving a complete INVENTION DISCLOSURE submission. If the University wishes to retain title to an INVENTION, upon the request of the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ADMINISTRATOR (IPA), an INVENTOR shall sign all documents necessary for the University to protect an INVENTION, file patent application(s), comply with applicable law in connection with such INVENTION and confirm in writing the INVENTOR’S prior assignment to the University of all right, title and interest in and to such INVENTION.

2.1.3 Inventions Outside the PATENT POLICY. If a faculty member, emeritus faculty, visiting faculty, other visitor using research facilities, researcher, adjunct faculty, postdoctoral employee or trainee, graduate student, undergraduate student, or salaried employee (an INDIVIDUAL) believes that a given INVENTION was made outside the scope of the PATENT POLICY, the INDIVIDUAL shall provide the IPA with a written statement of the circumstances leading to the making of the INVENTION. If, after reviewing the facts, the IPA determines that the INVENTION falls outside the scope of the PATENT POLICY, the IPA shall confirm in writing within thirty (30) days after receiving such written statement that the University has no right, title and interest to the INVENTION. If the facts are equivocal, or if the IPA believes that such INVENTION falls under the PATENT POLICY, the matter of ownership will be referred by the IPA or the INDIVIDUAL to the APPEALS BOARD, and the APPEALS BOARD shall make a recommendation to the President concerning ownership. Nothing in this PATENT POLICY is intended to imply or assume that an emeritus faculty member is making or has made a SUBSTANTIAL USE OF UNIVERSITY RESOURCES or imply or assume that an emeritus faculty member’s invention falls under or outside the scope of this PATENT POLICY.

If an INDIVIDUAL makes an INVENTION which is outside the scope of the PATENT POLICY, and the IPA (or, if appealed, the President) agrees that such INVENTION is outside the scope of the PATENT POLICY, such INDIVIDUAL may request in writing to use the services of PCI in connection with the assessment, protection and/or commercialization of such INVENTION. PCI, in its sole discretion, may decline or may elect to use its personnel and services with respect to such INVENTION, on the condition that: (1) the INDIVIDUAL makes ASSIGNMENT to the University in a writing deemed sufficient by PCI; and (2) the INDIVIDUAL shall be deemed to be an INVENTOR and such invention shall be deemed to be an INVENTION within the scope of this PATENT POLICY, for all purposes (including but not limited to distributions), effective as of the date of ASSIGNMENT. The use of PCI shall be deemed to be a SUBSTANTIAL USE OF UNIVERSITY RESOURCES. PCI’s decision to decline shall not be reviewable by the APPEALS BOARD

2.1.4 Student Inventions.

2.1.4.1 INVENTIONS made by students will remain the property of the students except:

[a] when an INVENTION is made in the course of employment at the University, or

[b] when an INVENTION results from work directly related to employment responsibilities at the University, or

[c] when an INVENTION results from work or research performed under a grant or other sponsorship where the grant or sponsorship requires ASSIGNMENT to the University, or

[d] when an INVENTION is created with another INVENTOR who has a duty to make or has made ASSIGNMENT to the University.

In such instances, students are hereby deemed to have irrevocably transferred and assigned all of their right, title and interest in and to such INVENTION, effective as of the first date conceived or reduced to practice, regardless of whether or when such student executes a PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT or other written agreement confirming assignment, and such undergraduate student shall be deemed an INVENTOR for purposes of sharing in distributions and otherwise pursuant to this PATENT POLICY.

2.1.4.2 INVENTIONS created by or resulting from research carried out in University laboratories as part of a post-baccalaureate or postdoctoral degree or non-degree program shall be subject to this PATENT POLICY. In such instances, the individual shall be deemed to have hereby irrevocably made ASSIGNMENT to the University effective as of the first date of matriculation and will be deemed an INVENTOR for purposes of distributions and otherwise pursuant to this PATENT POLICY, regardless of whether or when such individual executes or executed a PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT or other written agreement confirming assignment.

2.1.5 Return of Inventions.

2.1.5.1 Inventions Made without Outside Sponsorship. If an INVENTION is made without sponsorship of the federal government or other sponsor, and the University does not wish to pursue a patent application in the United States or other jurisdiction, or elects to abandon a pending patent application, or does not wish to own an issued patent on a given INVENTION, the IPA may, after consultation with and subject to the approval of the Vice Provost for Research, return all of the University’s right, title and interest to the INVENTION, patent application or issued patent to the INVENTORS, subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth in Section 2.1.5.3.

2.1.5.2 Inventions Made with Outside Sponsorship. If an INVENTION is made with sponsorship of the federal government or other sponsor, and the University does not wish to pursue a patent application in the United States or other jurisdiction, or elects to abandon a pending patent application, or does not wish to own an issued patent on a given INVENTION, and the United States Government or other sponsor waives ownership rights, if any, the IPA may, after consultation with and subject to the approval of the Vice Provost for Research, return all of the University’s right, title and interest to the INVENTION, patent application or issued patent to the INVENTORS, subject to any other rights retained by the United States Government or other sponsors and subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth in Section 2.1.5.3. If the INVENTION was made with sponsorship of the federal government, the INVENTORS are responsible for obtaining written approvals from the appropriate federal government representatives allowing the University to transfer the University’s right, title and interest to the INVENTION to the INVENTORS and providing such written approvals to PCI prior to any return to the INVENTORS. If the INVENTION was made with sponsorship of the federal government, to the extent applicable under then-current law, the INVENTOR shall use reasonable efforts to arrange for development and commercialization opportunities for the INVENTION, and otherwise comply with all laws regarding the INVENTION and any additional requirements imposed by the federal government when approving the transfer to the INVENTORS.

2.1.5.3 Conditions Regarding Return of Inventions. Prior to the University transferring its right, title and interest to an INVENTION and any related patent(s) and/or patent application(s), each INVENTOR and PCI shall enter into a written agreement including at least the following terms:

2.1.5.3.1 If the University elects to return an INVENTION made by more than one INVENTOR, the University will return an undivided interest in the whole, as defined by prevailing United States patent law, to each INVENTOR, unless directed otherwise in writing by all INVENTORS.

2.1.5.3.2 In every case in which an INVENTION is returned to an INVENTOR, the University hereby reserves a royalty free, non-exclusive, irrevocable right to practice the INVENTION for research, educational and clinical care purposes, and to permit other academic institutions and not-for-profit research institutions to do the same. The University may seek reimbursement for any INVENTION ASSESSMENT COSTS incurred before the return from the INVENTOR. After the effective date of the return of the INVENTION, the University shall not be responsible for paying any ongoing INVENTION ASSESSMENT COSTS or other costs or expenses in connection with the returned INVENTION and any patents or patent applications for the returned INVENTION.

2.1.5.3.3 The INVENTOR or INVENTORS jointly and severally, shall pay the University five percent (5%) of all GROSS COMPENSATION and report non-confidential information at least annually to PCI regarding efforts to commercialize the returned INVENTION and GROSS COMPENSATION received.

2.1.5.3.4 Each INVENTOR shall represent and warrant that the INVENTOR has disclosed to PCI, as part of the INVENTION DISCLOSURE or otherwise: the best mode contemplated by the INVENTOR for carrying out the INVENTION; all facts and circumstances relevant to assessing the INVENTION DISCLOSURE and INVENTION; and has answered each question or inquiry from PCI about the INVENTION DISCLOSURE and INVENTION truthfully, to the best of the INVENTOR’s knowledge and belief.

2.1.5.3.5 INVENTORS have the obligation to disclose to the IPA, and make ASSIGNMENT of, improvements on returned INVENTIONS at the time such improvements are conceived or reduced to practice, if such improvements are conceived or reduced to practice under circumstances subject to the PATENT POLICY.

2.1.5.3.6 Each INVENTOR shall acknowledge that the transfer of the University’s interest in the INVENTION may raise issues under applicable University policies, including without limitation its conflict-of-interest policies and restrictions on use of University facilities and assets for private purposes and that the return of an INVENTION does not constitute a waiver of any term in any University policy or its applicability to the INVENTOR. The INVENTOR will agree not to use University resources, personnel, time, facilities or assets to further develop, protect or commercialize the returned INVENTION, unless permitted after review by the University’s Conflict of Interest Standing Committee and approved by the Vice Provost for Research.

2.1.5.3.7 Each INVENTOR will and will cause any licensees or third persons participating in the development and commercialization of the INVENTION, to indemnify the University from any claims arising out of or resulting from or in connection with the INVENTION and its development and commercialization. The University will transfer its right, title and interest as is, without warranties.

2.2 Conveyance of Rights to Inventions.

2.2.1 Licensing. The University may convey rights to its INVENTIONS through license agreements under the terms of which the University retains all right, title and interest in and to its INVENTIONS, while granting to a commercial entity the right to make, use and/or sell products based on the INVENTION(S).

2.2.1.1 INVENTORS or other University faculty or employees involved in the licensing of an INVENTION to a prospective licensee shall disclose any fiduciary or financial interest in or contractual relationship with the prospective licensee to their Deans and Chairs, or their relevant administrative supervisor, in accordance with the applicable University policy on conflicts of interest. In addition, INVENTORS or other University faculty or employees involved in the licensing of an INVENTION to a prospective licensee shall disclose any fiduciary or financial interest in that prospective licensee to the IPA, who shall refer consideration of the matter to the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

2.2.1.2 PCI will use reasonable efforts to notify INVENTORS of prospective licensees in an early stage of the negotiation process. The final decision on whether to license an INVENTION, to whom to license an INVENTION, the terms in the agreements and otherwise how to proceed with the license rests with PCI and is not appealable to the APPEALS BOARD or otherwise.

2.2.2 Exceptions to Licensing. Exceptions to the requirement that rights be conveyed through a license agreement shall be considered only in extreme or unusual circumstances and shall require approval by the President of the University.

2.3 Distributions. (For a hypothetical illustration of the distributions set forth in Sections 2.3.1 and 2.3.2, see Appendix C. Definitions for ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES FOR AN INVENTION, NET PCI INCOME FOR AN INVENTION and other key definitions are in Article 4).

2.3.1 Distribution of Adjusted PCI Revenues. Unless otherwise required by law or contract, ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES for the INVENTION (defined in Section 4.0.1, but generally described as the PRO RATA SHARE of GROSS PCI REVENUES [defined in Section 4.0.13] minus the INITIAL DEDUCTION [defined in Section 4.0.14]), shall be distributed as follows:

2.3.1.1 The INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE shall be thirty percent (30%) of the ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES for the INVENTION (see Sec. 2.3.4).

2.3.1.2 The INVENTORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE shall be twelve and one-half percent (12.5%) of the ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES for the INVENTION (see Sec. 2.3.5).

2.3.2 Distribution of Net PCI Income. NET PCI INCOME for the INVENTION (defined in Section 4.0.23, but generally described as the amount remaining after distributions in Section 2.3.1, minus the PRO RATA SHARE of AGGREGATE PCI OPERATING COSTS [defined in Section 4.0.3]) shall be distributed as follows:

2.3.2.1 The SCHOOLS OF INVENTORS SHARE shall be sixty percent (60%) of the NET PCI INCOME for the INVENTION (see Sec. 2.3.6).

2.3.2.2 The UNIVERSITY RESEARCH SHARE shall be forty percent (40%) of the NET PCI INCOME for the INVENTION (see Sec. 2.3.7).

2.3.3 Allocation of the EQUITY POOL. (Procedures governing licensing transactions for EQUITY are set forth in Appendix B.) Under license agreements for which the University has negotiated an EQUITY POOL, where, in accordance with Appendix B.4, EQUITY will be issued directly to the INVENTOR(S), the INVENTORS shall receive thirty percent (30%) of the EQUITY POOL, unless one or more INVENTORS receive EQUITY from the licensee outside of the EQUITY POOL. An INVENTOR who receives EQUITY from the licensee outside of the EQUITY POOL shall not receive EQUITY from the EQUITY POOL except with approval of the University. The IPA shall make a recommendation in this regard to the Vice Provost for Research, who shall make a determination in consultation with the relevant Deans. Furthermore, if one or more INVENTORS receive EQUITY outside of the EQUITY POOL, the portion of the EQUITY POOL to be received by the other INVENTORS shall be reduced in proportion to the contribution to the licensed INVENTIONS, as determined by PCI, made by the INVENTORS who receive EQUITY outside of the EQUITY POOL.

2.3.3.1 INVENTORS receiving EQUITY from the EQUITY POOL or outside the EQUITY POOL may also receive INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE of ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES FOR THE INVENTION. An exception to this may arise in certain circumstances, such as when INVENTORS receive founders EQUITY, EQUITY for consulting services or other consideration from the licensee. In such cases, the University may determine that such INVENTORS shall not receive some or any of the INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE of ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES for the INVENTION. The IPA shall make a recommendation in this regard to the Vice Provost for Research, who shall make a determination in consultation with the relevant Dean(s).

2.3.3.2 Non-cash Component of License. Any tangible, noncash considerations (except EQUITY) in licenses will be distributed by PCI on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with the INVENTOR(S), Vice Provost for Research and the relevant Dean(s).

2.3.4 Rules Governing the INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE​. The INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE of ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES for the INVENTION, under Section 2.3.1.1, shall be distributed among all INVENTORS (if more than one), as the INVENTORS unanimously designate in writing to the IPA. If the INVENTORS fail to make such unanimous written designation before the license agreement is executed, the INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE of ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES shall be distributed among all INVENTORS as PCI, in its sole discretion, shall designate, and shall not be appealable to the APPEALS BOARD. The INVENTORS share of the EQUITY POOL under Section 2.3.3 shall be distributed among all INVENTORS entitled to share in the EQUITY POOL (if more than one), as such INVENTORS unanimously designate in writing to the IPA. If the INVENTORS entitled to share in the EQUITY POOL fail to make such unanimous written designation before the license agreement is executed, the INVENTORS share of the EQUITY POOL shall be distributed among INVENTORS entitled to share in the EQUITY POOL as PCI, in its sole discretion, shall designate, and shall not be appealable to the APPEALS BOARD .

2.3.4.1 If an INVENTOR ceases employment at and association with the University, the INVENTORS designated portion of the INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE of ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES under Section 2.3.1.1 and of the INVENTORS share of the EQUITY POOL under Section 2.3.3 shall remain payable to such INVENTOR. If an INVENTOR dies, the INVENTORS designated portion of the INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE shall remain payable to the INVENTOR’s estate.

2.3.5 Rules Governing the Inventors Research Activity Share. The INVENTORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE, when the INVENTORS are faculty, shall be used only for research purposes approved by the department chair(s) of the relevant department(s).

2.3.5.1 The INVENTORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE shall be divided among the INVENTORS (if more than one) in the same proportion as the INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE is divided among the INVENTORS (the “DESIGNATED PROPORTION”), unless the INVENTORS unanimously request in writing, and the dean(s) of the relevant school(s) and Vice Provost for Research approve, some other distribution.

2.3.5.2 If a sole faculty INVENTOR is no longer employed by or associated with the University, the INVENTORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE shall be distributed to the INVENTOR’S school at the University to support research in the school. If there is more than one faculty INVENTOR, and one of those INVENTORS is no longer employed by or associated with the University, that share shall be distributed evenly to support the research activity of the INVENTORS who remain. If no faculty INVENTORS remain employed by or associated with the University, the INVENTORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE will be distributed to the INVENTORS school(s) to support research in the school(s).

2.3.5.3 When an INVENTOR is an undergraduate student, the INVENTORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE shall be distributed to the University’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) or its successor organization, or if no successor organization, to the Provost’s Office to be used to further and support research by undergraduate students, through a budget approved by the Provost. When INVENTORS are graduate students or postdoctoral employees or trainees, the corresponding INVENTORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE shall be distributed to the laboratory to which they are primarily assigned or in which they primarily conducted the research leading to the INVENTION. If such INVENTORS do not have a primary laboratory affiliation, their corresponding INVENTORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE shall be distributed to their school. Amounts so distributed shall be used to further the education and research activity of the INVENTOR while at the University and/or for other research purposes through a budget approved by the department chair(s) of the relevant department(s) or dean.

2.3.5.4 When an INVENTOR is an emeritus faculty member at the time of the INVENTION, the INVENTORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE shall be distributed to the INVENTOR’S last school before assuming emeritus status, unless that emeritus faculty INVENTOR, and the emeritus faculty INVENTOR’s dean, agree in writing upon a different distribution. Such different distribution may include, without limitation, payment of all or a portion of such INVENTORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE to the emeritus faculty as part of the INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE. Any such proposed different distribution of an INVENTORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE for an emeritus faculty INVENTOR is subject to review and approval by the Vice Provost for Research. The emeritus faculty INVENTOR may appeal the inability to reach an agreement upon a different distribution, or any disapproval by the Vice Provost for Research, to the APPEALS BOARD. Amounts received by the school shall be used for research purposes only through a budget approved by the dean(s) of the relevant school(s)..

2.3.6 Rules Governing the Schools of Inventors Share. The SCHOOLS OF INVENTORS SHARE may be used for any research purpose designated by the dean(s) of the school(s). At the discretion of the dean(s), any portion of the SCHOOLS OF INVENTORS SHARE may be distributed to department(s), research centers, and/or research institutes to support research. The dean(s) will develop a process within each school, that is reasonably calculated to incentivize units, such as departments, to support research at various stages of development.

2.3.6.1 If an INVENTION is made by INVENTORS from different schools, the SCHOOLS OF INVENTORS SHARE shall be divided among the schools in the DESIGNATED PROPORTION. A school will retain its portion of SCHOOLS OF INVENTORS SHARE if an INVENTOR from that school is no longer employed by or associated with the School or the University.

2.3.7 Rules Governing the University Research Share. The UNIVERSITY RESEARCH SHARE shall be used for the general support of research at the University as determined by the Provost. The Provost will release periodic reports describing the use of these funds.

2.3.8 Periodic Reports of Use of Funds to Support Research. The deans of each school that receive funds during the FISCAL YEAR as SCHOOLS OF INVENTORS SHARES should submit a report to the Vice Provost for Research at least once during the subsequent FISCAL YEAR describing the process to determine the distribution and use of these funds for research purposes and the support of research.

2.3.9 Invention Revenue Distribution for Non-Academic Inventors. When an INVENTOR is other than a faculty member, emeritus faculty, employee of an academic laboratory, student or postdoctoral employee or trainee, the distribution of ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES FOR THE INVENTION (other than the INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE) and NET PCI INCOME for the INVENTION shall be determined by the Vice Provost for Research on a case-by-case basis with a recommendation from the IPA.

2.3.10 INVENTORS with Joint Appointments. If an INVENTOR has joint appointments in two or more schools and there is no primary appointment (for example only, a Penn Integrates Knowledge professor), the deans shall determine an equitable apportionment of that INVENTOR’s portion of the INVENTORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE, and SCHOOLS OF INVENTORS SHARE, unless the Deans of such schools had previously agreed on an allocation for such INVENTOR.

2.4 Implementation of Procedures for Distributions.

2.4.1 Inventions Disclosed and Licensed After the Effective Date. Distributions from all INVENTIONS disclosed and licensed on or after the EFFECTIVE DATE shall be governed by the procedures in Section 2.3.

2.4.2 Inventions Disclosed Before the Effective Date but Licensed After the Effective Date. Distribution of income from all INVENTIONS disclosed before the EFFECTIVE DATE, but not yet subject to a license agreement as of the EFFECTIVE DATE, shall be governed by the procedures in Section 2.3.

2.4.3 Inventions Disclosed and Licensed Before the Effective Date. All distributions during and after the FISCAL YEAR that the revised PATENT POLICY becomes effective, including distributions for an INVENTION whose disclosure or licensing was completed prior to the EFFECTIVE DATE of the revised PATENT POLICY, will be made according to the revised PATENT POLICY and shall thus be governed by the procedures in Section 2.3.

2.5 Administration of Distributions and Reporting. Distributions, with a report outlining how the amounts were calculated, shall be made to each recipient within sixty (60) days after the end of the FISCAL YEAR. PCI will use reasonable efforts to distribute the INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE more frequently than once each year. The University will not pay interest on amounts received and held by the University pending distribution.

2.6 Use of Outside Facilities. Faculty members, employees or students who use research facilities at another institution or a corporation (including, without limitation, when on sabbatical from the University or as visiting faculty or visiting researchers) shall contact the IPA prior to commencing such use, for assistance in evaluating the policies of the host institution or corporation as appropriate. Graduate students who are conducting research in commercial research facilities should obtain a written assurance of their right to publish the results of their research. Faculty members, employees or students who engage in outside employment or consulting agreements are referred to the Consulting and Outside Activities Policies and Procedures of the University of Pennsylvania (CONSULTING POLICY).

Article 3. Policy and Procedures Relating to Tangible Research Property

3.0 Policy Statement on Tangible Research Property. TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY made by INVESTIGATORS in the course of employment at the University, or work or research directly related to professional, educational or employment responsibilities, or work or research carried out on University time, or at University expense or with SUBSTANTIAL USE OF UNIVERSITY RESOURCES under grants or otherwise, is the property of the University. INVESTIGATORS hereby irrevocably assign to the University all right, title and interest in and to the TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY and shall cooperate fully with the University in the preparation and prosecution of patents or other intellectual property protection, if available and applicable. The University and INVESTIGATORS will endeavor to make such property available to the research community on a reasonable basis, consistent with other University policies, procedures and legal obligations and pursuant to a written agreement in a form approved by the Office of General Counsel, including but not limited to a materials transfer agreement, license agreement, deposit to a research or data bank repository or other form of agreement.

3.1 Disclosure to PCI. INVESTIGATORS shall disclose new TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY promptly to PCI.

3.2 Revenues from Transfer of Tangible Research Property. Unless otherwise required by law or contract, for TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY which is defined as an INVENTION, distributions will be calculated in accordance with Section 2.3. For TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY which is not defined as an INVENTION, distributions will be calculated as follows, unless otherwise required by law or contract: PCI shall determine the GROSS PCI REVENUES for the TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY. Then, PCI shall determine, in conjunction with the INVESTIGATORS and the appropriate University staff, the applicable TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY DIRECT GENERATION COSTS. The TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY DIRECT GENERATION COSTS shall be reimbursed to the University account(s) of the INVESTIGATOR(S) and/ or such other school, department or other accounts from which portions of the TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY DIRECT GENERATION COSTS were paid. The amount remaining, if any, after deducting the TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY DIRECT GENERATION COSTS from the GROSS PCI REVENUES for the TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY, and after deducting the applicable INITIAL DEDUCTION, shall be defined as the ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES for such TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY. The ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES for the TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY or NET PCI INCOME for the TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY (as the case may be) shall be distributed in accordance with Section 2.3 above (substituting the INVESTIGATOR(S) for the INVENTOR(S) and the TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY for the INVENTION, where application in applying this PATENT POLICY):

3.2.1 Thirty percent (30%) of ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES for the TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY as the INVESTIGATORS PERSONAL SHARE (see Sec. 2.3.1.1).

3.2.2 Twelve and one-half percent (12.5%) of ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES for the TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY as the INVESTIGATORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE (see Sec. 2.3.1.2).

3.2.3 Sixty percent (60%) of NET PCI INCOME for the TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY as the SCHOOLS OF INVENTORS SHARE (see Sec. 2.3.2.1).

3.2.4 Forty percent (40%) of NET PCI INCOME for the TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY as the UNIVERSITY RESEARCH SHARE (see Sec. 2.3.2.2).

3.3. Program Income and Sponsored Awards. INVESTIGATORS and PCI shall report any GROSS PCI REVENUES from TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY to the Office of Research Services for a determination whether such revenues must be reported to a funding agency or sponsor as program income. In those circumstances in which GROSS PCI REVENUES from the TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY may be considered program income under federal law, or grant, award or contract terms, or where the distribution formula set forth in Section 3.2. would be prohibited by law or applicable contract, the UNIVERSITY will equitably share any ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES for such TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY, if any, while remaining in compliance with its legal obligation.

Article 4. Definitions and Miscellaneous

4.0.1 TOTAL ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES means GROSS PCI REVENUES minus the INITIAL DEDUCTION. ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES FOR AN INVENTION means the PRO RATA SHARE of the TOTAL ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES.

4.0.2 ADJUSTED PROCEEDS FOR AN INVENTION means ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES FOR AN INVENTION, minus the INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE and minus the INVENTORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE.

4.0.3 AGGREGATE PCI OPERATING COSTS means all of PCI’s internal or out-of-pocket expenses to operate PCI, as allocated to and determined by the University, during a FISCAL YEAR, including, without limitation: salaries, benefits and other personnel costs; expenses related to licensing and distribution, and attempts to license and/or distribute, INVENTIONS, TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY, copyrightable works, and trademarks; fees and expenses paid to third persons (excluding REIMBURSED IP EXPENSES); overhead expense; finder’s fees or commissions; EQUITY or other consideration paid or due to patent management organizations; expenses in connection with the sale, investment or management of EQUITY or the EQUITY POOL; litigation or dispute resolution costs and expenses; and consideration paid or due third persons as a result of settlement of or judgment in a dispute; applicable taxes (if any) and other operating expenses the University allocates to PCI. AGGREGATE PCI OPERATING COSTS includes all UNREIMBURSED IP EXPENSES.

4.0.4 APPEALS BOARD is empowered to resolve disputes arising from the interpretation or administration of this PATENT POLICY, as described in Section 4.2. The APPEALS BOARD comprises nine (9) voting members (seven [7] standing members and two [2] ad hoc members). The seven standing members shall be comprised of: one (1) voting chair, appointed by the Faculty Senate and who shall be a Standing Faculty member; four (4) administrators (each appointed by the Vice Provost for Research); and two (2) term faculty appointed by the Faculty Senate. The two (2) ad hoc members shall be faculty selected for expertise by the dean(s) of the relevant school(s) or the chair(s) of the relevant departments(s), except that if one or more of the individuals involved in the appeal is an emeritus faculty, the two ad hoc voting members selected by the dean(s) or department chair(s) shall be emeritus faculty and if one or more of the individuals involved in the appeal is a graduate student, the two ad hoc voting members selected by the dean(s) or department Chair(s) shall be graduate students. In addition, the APPEALS BOARD shall include one nonvoting member ex officio, who shall be an attorney from the Office of General Counsel and appointed by the General Counsel. The APPEALS BOARD shall be staffed by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research.

4.0.5 ASSIGNMENT means the execution of a written agreement by an INVENTOR assigning all of the INVENTOR’S right, title and interest in and to an INVENTION or TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY. INVENTIONS are deemed automatically and irrevocably assigned, effective as of the time they are conceived or reduced to practice, regardless of whether or when such individual executes a PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT or other written agreement confirming assignment.

4.0.6 PENN CENTER FOR INNOVATION (PCI) means the administrative unit, under the direction of the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ADMINISTRATOR, which is responsible for the receipt, review, management and administration of intellectual property matters of the University.

4.0.7 EFFECTIVE DATE means the earlier of October 1, 2023, or the date this version of this PATENT POLICY was adopted by the Trustees of the University.

4.0.8 EQUITY means ownership interests or securities, including but not limited to shares of stock or securities; stock options; warrants or any other rights to purchase stock or securities; debt instruments; partnership interests in a general or limited partnership; or membership interests in a limited liability company or partnership.

4.0.9 EQUITY POOL means the total allotment of EQUITY negotiated by the University as consideration for a license of the University’s interests in an INVENTION or TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY.

4.0.10 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE provides oversight and steering of the technology transfer process, including assisting in setting the operating budget for the PCI. The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE is appointed by the Provost in consultation with the Vice Provost for Research and chaired by the Vice Provost for Research or a Dean designated by the Vice Provost for Research. The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE is comprised of the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ADMINISTRATOR, ex officio; the Vice Provost for Research; the dean of the Perelman School of Medicine or the Dean’s designee; one faculty from each of the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering and Applied Science; one at-large faculty; and an attorney from the Office of the General Counsel selected by the General Counsel, who shall be non-voting and ex officio.

4.0.11 FISCAL YEAR means the period from July 1 through June 30 (or, should the University adjust its fiscal year, the same period as the University’s then-current fiscal year for federal tax purposes).

4.0.12 GROSS COMPENSATION means all cash or other compensation received or to which someone is entitled due to or arising out of or related to or in connection with the licensing, sale, development, commercialization or other exploitation of the INVENTION, including without limitation royalties, sales receipts, upfront payments, option fees, milestone payments, equity proceeds, other securities or investments, infringement or settlement proceeds or other forms of monetization or compensation.

4.0.13 GROSS PCI REVENUES means all gross revenues actually received by PCI during the FISCAL YEAR from all agreements arising out of or related to or in connection with the licensing, development, commercialization or other exploitation of an INVENTION or TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY, or intellectual property related to an INVENTION or TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY, whether involving patents, know-how, trademarks, copyrights and/or other forms of intellectual property, but excluding: (1) payments made to the University under sponsored research agreements or research awards, grants and contracts; (2) revenues payable to a third party sponsor or funder pursuant to a funding agreement, where performance of the sponsored or funded research directly gave rise to the INVENTION or TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY; (3) revenues related to the licensing of a University or Penn Medicine trademark (e.g., trademark royalties in connection with Penn-branded apparel, etc.) and unrelated to the licensing, development or other exploitation of an INVENTION or TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY; (4) consideration payable to a university or other third party related to co-inventor(s) or contributors to INVENTIONS or TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY having a duty to assign to such university or other third party (for example only, revenues payable to another institution due to joint inventorship or inter-institutional arrangements); and (5) accrued interest. GROSS PCI REVENUES includes, without limitation: license fees; license maintenance fees; minimum royalties; sublicense payments; milestone payments; option fees; royalties on sales of products and services; proceeds realized from the sale or other disposition of EQUITY from an EQUITY POOL; dividends and other monetary distributions related to EQUITY from an EQUITY POOL; and settlements of lawsuits or intellectual property disputes with third parties related to an INVENTION DISCLOSURE, INVENTION or TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY. GROSS PCI REVENUES does not include REIMBURSED IP EXPENSES.

4.0.14 INITIAL DEDUCTION means a percentage of GROSS PCI REVENUES for an INVENTION, and a percentage of GROSS PCI REVENUES for TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY which is not defined as an INVENTION, in each case where such percentage is approved by the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The percentage amount of the INITIAL DEDUCTION will be reviewed and may be adjusted, at least once each five (5) years, by the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE may recommend adjusting the INITIAL DEDUCTION percentage to an amount no greater than twenty five percent (25%) and not less than zero percent (0%) for INVENTIONS and/or to an amount no greater than seven percent (7%) and not less than zero percent (0%) for TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY which is not defined as an INVENTION. Any adjustment to the INITIAL DEDUCTION recommended by the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE and approved by the President will take effect as of the first day of the FISCAL YEAR following the President’s approval and will be announced broadly prior to the start of such FISCAL YEAR, unless the adjustment benefits the faculty and the schools in which case the change can be implemented at any time during the FISCAL YEAR. Effective as of July 1, 2023, INITIAL DEDUCTION means zero percent (0%) of GROSS PCI REVENUES for an INVENTION, and zero percent (0%) of GROSS PCI REVENUES for TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY which is not defined as an INVENTION.

4.0.15 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ADMINISTRATOR (IPA) means the Executive Director of PCI (or Executive Director’s successor, as designated by the Vice Provost for Research).

4.0.16 INVENTION means and includes discoveries and inventions and related technical information, trade secrets, developments, knowhow, methods, techniques, formulae, data and processes; TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY upon which a patent has issued, or a patent application has been filed and is still pending; and other proprietary matter.

4.0.17 INVENTION DISCLOSURE means the written submission to the IPA, on standard invention disclosure forms available from PCI, of a written description of any INVENTION that an INVENTOR believes the INVENTOR has made.

4.0.18 INVENTORS means University faculty, emeritus faculty, visiting faculty or researchers, adjunct faculty, postdoctoral employees or trainees, or other employees, or students, or others who individually or jointly make an INVENTION subject to the PATENT POLICY and who meet the criteria for inventorship under United States patent laws and regulations.

4.0.19 INVENTION ASSESSMENT COSTS means all historic out-of- pocket costs and expenses related to the review, assessment and protection of the INVENTION DISCLOSURE and the INVENTION, including without limitation patent and copyright application costs and expenses, legal fees, filing fees, search fees, fees for legal opinions, patent fees, IP EXPENSES, and other out-of-pocket transactional costs attributable to the INVENTION DISCLOSURE and the INVENTION.

4.0.20 INVESTIGATOR means any University faculty member, emeritus faculty, visiting faculty or researcher, adjunct faculty, postdoctoral employee or trainee, or other employee, or an undergraduate or graduate student engaged in sponsored or unsponsored research.

4.0.21 IP EXPENSES means all out-of-pocket expenses incurred or accrued during the FISCAL YEAR by PCI arising out of or related to or in connection with the review, assessment, protection, licensing, defense, enforcement or audit of intellectual property rights related to INVENTION DISCLOSURES, INVENTIONS, TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY and copyrightable works, or the defense, enforcement or audit of licenses or other agreements related to INVENTION DISCLOSURES, INVENTIONS, TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY or copyrightable works, including but not limited to: outside legal and patent agent fees and expenses; search fees and expenses; application fees; fees for legal opinions; government filing and maintenance fees; legal fees to defend or enforce intellectual property, license agreements, option agreements, confidentiality agreements, or other agreements related to the INVENTION DISCLOSURE, INVENTION, TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY or copyrightable work; fees and expenses to audit licensees and related agreements; and other out-of-pocket transactional costs related to patent, copyright, trademark and other intellectual property protection or licensing anywhere in the world. REIMBURSED IP EXPENSES means IP EXPENSES for which PCI received or accrued payment or reimbursement from a licensee, INVENTOR or third person before the end of the FISCAL YEAR. UNREIMBURSED IP EXPENSES means all of the IP EXPENSES minus the REIMBURSED IP EXPENSES at the end of the FISCAL YEAR, as shown in the accounting records of PCI (excluding accrued payments or reimbursements).

4.0.22 MATERIALS means lab notebooks, records, drawings, sketches, photographs, radiographs or other images, models, biological specimens, chemical samples or other materials needed to support the preparation, submission, prosecution, defense or enforcement of a patent in the United States or other applicable jurisdictions.

4.0.23 NET PCI INCOME FOR AN INVENTION means the ADJUSTED PROCEEDS FOR AN INVENTION, minus the PRO RATA SHARE of the AGGREGATE PCI OPERATING COSTS. If zero or a negative number, then there is no NET PCI INCOME FOR AN INVENTION. (As an example, if the ADJUSTED PROCEEDS FOR AN INVENTION equals $273,125, the PRO RATA SHARE is five percent (5%), and the AGGREGATE PCI OPERATING COSTS equals $4,500,000, the NET PCI INCOME FOR AN INVENTION equals [$273,125 minus (0.05 x $4,500,000)], or $48,125).

4.0.24 PATENT POLICY means this Patent and Tangible Research Property Policies and Procedures of the University of Pennsylvania, with any amendments.

4.0.25 PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT means a written agreement substantially in the form of Appendix A to the PATENT POLICY, setting out rights and responsibilities of University faculty, emeritus faculty, visiting faculty and researchers, adjunct faculty, postdoctoral employees and/or other salaried employees, students and others under the University’s policies and procedures, and confirming the automatic assignment of ownership of INVENTIONS covered under the PATENT POLICY, to the University.

4.0.26 PRO RATA SHARE means the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the GROSS PCI REVENUES directly generated by and attributable to an INVENTION and/or TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY, as determined by PCI, compared to the entire GROSS PCI REVENUES, during a FISCAL YEAR. (As an example, if the GROSS PCI REVENUES directly generated by and attributable to an INVENTION total $600,000 in a FISCAL YEAR and the GROSS PCI REVENUES total $12,000,000 in a FISCAL YEAR, the PRO RATA SHARE is five percent (5%).)

4.0.27 SIGNIFICANT EQUITY INTEREST means any EQUITY or other financial interest that when aggregated for the individual and the individual’s spouse and dependent children exceeds $25,000 in value, as determined through reference to public prices or other reasonable measures of fair market value and does not represent more than five percent (5%) ownership interest in any single entity.

4.0.28 STAKEHOLDERS means shareholders, owners, members, general partners, limited partners or other owners or investors in an entity.

4.0.29 SUBSTANTIAL USE OF UNIVERSITY RESOURCES means the use of University funds, facilities, equipment, or other resources significantly in excess of the norm for educational or research purposes in the department or school in which the faculty member(s) holds their primary appointment(s) or in which a staff member or student is enrolled or employed. Academic year salary, office, usual library resources, usual secretarial and administrative staff resources or usual computer equipment, among other things, are not regarded as constituting “substantial use of University resources.” Any question about what constitutes substantial use of University resources should be referred to the Vice Provost for Research.

4.0.30 TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY means unique research products or tools, such as biological materials or chemical moieties, whether or not patentable or otherwise protectable using intellectual property laws. Categories of biological material include organisms, cells, viruses, cell products, cloned DNA, as well as DNA sequences, mapping information and crystallographic coordinates. Some specific examples of biological materials include specialized and/or genetically defined cells, including normal and diseased human cells; monoclonal cell lines; hybridoma cell lines; microbial cells and products; viruses and viral products; recombinant nucleic acid molecules; DNA probes; nucleic acid and protein sequences; and transgenic mice or other animals. Categories of chemical moieties or engineered products include sample compounds, reagents, intermediates, models, sensors, devices, equipment, computer hardware or firmware, diagrams or computer media.

4.0.31 TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY DIRECT GENERATION COSTS means all of the documented and verifiable direct costs and expenses attributable or  allocated to the generation of the quantities of TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY distributed which led to the receipt of GROSS PCI REVENUES from such TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY. As an example, only the costs of raw materials, supplies, reagents, specialized equipment, and other direct costs and expenses necessary to generate the quantity of TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY constitutes TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY DIRECT GENERATION COSTS. Salaries, overhead and equipment which is otherwise used for teaching or numerous research purposes is not part of TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY DIRECT GENERATION COSTS. (Any disagreement among the INVESTIGATORS and PCI regarding the calculation of TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY DIRECT GENERATION COSTS may be appealed to the APPEALS BOARD).

4.1 Review of Policies and Procedures. The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE together with the Vice Provost for Research shall review the PATENT POLICY (including Appendix B), from time to time to determine whether it is accomplishing its intended purposes and is in conformity with applicable laws and regulations, including intellectual property laws. The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE shall make recommendations for amendments or other changes to the Provost and the Faculty Senate, who shall confer with the President. The President may amend the PATENT POLICY including but not limited to an adjustment to the INITIAL DEDUCTION, upon consultation with the Faculty Senate, and the Vice Provost for Research.

4.2 Disputes Under Policies and Procedures. Except as expressly set forth otherwise in this PATENT POLICY, disputes arising from the interpretation or administration of the PATENT POLICY may be referred by any interested party to the Chair of the APPEALS BOARD and the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, who will promptly notify the IPA. The APPEALS BOARD shall first determine whether it has jurisdiction to hear any such dispute before proceeding. The APPEALS BOARD shall provide an equitable mechanism for the review and resolution of disputes brought before it and shall have the authority to make a judgment with respect to such disputes. The APPEALS BOARD shall use reasonable efforts to make a judgment with respect to any dispute within thirty (30) days after having any such dispute referred to it. Any judgment of the APPEALS BOARD may be appealed by any interested party to the Vice Provost for Research. The Vice Provost for Research shall consider the matter de novo and shall use reasonable efforts to review any such appeal and make a judgment with respect to any appeal, within thirty (30) days after having any such dispute referred to them. Any judgment of the Vice Provost for Research may be appealed to the President, who will make a final decision for the University.

4.3 No Change to Relationships. Nothing in this PATENT POLICY or the actions taken in connection with INVENTIONS, TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY or EQUITY, is intended to or shall be interpreted or deemed to create a fiduciary, trust or agency relationship between the University or any of its units or personnel, and any faculty, staff, student or INVENTOR.

Appendix A. Participation Agreement

In order that the University may fulfill legal and contractual obligations to sponsors of research, including but not limited to the federal government, and in consideration of my employment by the University, or my participation in sponsored research, or my use of funds, facilities, or other resources provided by the University, I hereby agree as follows:

I have read, and I understand and agree that I am bound by, the terms of the Patent and Tangible Research Property Policies and Procedures of the University of Pennsylvania, as well as by the terms of any revisions or amendments adopted by the President and/or the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania (collectively, the "PATENT POLICY”), effective retroactively to the first date of my employment, appointment or matriculation, and/or participation in sponsored research and/or SUBSTANTIAL USE OF UNIVERSITY RESOURCES (“Start Date”). I understand that words appearing as all capitalized letters in this Agreement are used as defined in the PATENT POLICY.

I agree to promptly and completely report to the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ADMINISTRATOR (“IPA”) any INVENTION which is conceived or reduced to practice in the course of my employment at the University, or from work directly related to professional or employment responsibilities at the University, or from work carried out on University time, or at University expense, or with SUBSTANTIAL USE OF UNIVERSITY RESOURCES under grants or otherwise. I hereby irrevocably assign to The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania all right, title and interest in and to any and all such INVENTIONS, effective retroactively to my Start Date.

I acknowledge that any TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY, whether or not patentable, which is made in the course of employment at the University or from work directly related to professional or employment responsibilities at the University, or from work carried out on University time, or at University expense, or with SUBSTANTIAL USE OF UNIVERSITY RESOURCES under grants or otherwise is the property of the University. I hereby irrevocably assign to The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania all right, title and interest in and to any and all such TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY, effective retroactively to my Start Date.

I understand that the University incurs binding obligations to sponsors, including the federal government, companies or foundations, under the terms of sponsored research, or grant agreements. When I participate in research, I understand that it is my responsibility to ascertain and abide by the terms of the research agreement as it relates to me. In particular, when engaged in outside activity, such as consulting, I recognize my duty to protect the University’s obligations to its research sponsors and funders and the University’s rights pursuant to the PATENT POLICY.

I also understand that on occasion University policy or the University’s obligations to research sponsors may require that I assign my interest in copyrightable materials to the University. In such cases, I hereby irrevocably assign all right, title and interest in and to such materials and the copyrights therein, if any, to The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, effective retroactively to my Start Date. I further understand that, in agreements with research sponsors, the University seeks to retain copyrights for its faculty.

I will cooperate fully with the University in the preparation, filing and prosecution of patents, in the registration of copyrights and in the preparation and execution of all documents necessary or incidental thereto, including but not limited to any additional written assignments deemed desirable by the University to further evidence my legal assignment of ownership or otherwise facilitate protection of the intellectual property or the establishment of the federal government’s rights in inventions funded by the federal government.

I accept the provisions for the sharing of amounts and EQUITY in the PATENT POLICY and the then-current Policy Relating to Copyrights and Commitment of Effort for Faculty (the “Copyright Policy”).

I am under no obligation to any person, organization or corporation with respect to any INVENTION(S), TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY or copyrightable materials which are, or could be reasonably be construed to be, in conflict with this Agreement, except as set forth in writing in the signed attachment to this letter (if any).

This Agreement and the assignments and obligations are effective as of my Start Date and apply to any INVENTION(S), TANGIBLE RESEARCH PROPERTY, and copyrightable materials made during the time I am employed by the University, hold an appointment, continue to matriculate, participate in sponsored research or otherwise make a SUBSTANTIAL USE OF UNIVERSITY RESOURCES.

Signature: ________________________________________

Printed Name: _____________________________________

Penn ID Number: ___________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________

Appendix B. Rules Governing EQUITY Transactions

B.1 Licenses in Consideration of EQUITY. The principal purpose of licensing by the University is to promote the development of technologies to serve the public interest. If after a diligent effort to identify prospective licensees, the IPA determines that the public interest is best served by a license in consideration of EQUITY, the IPA may negotiate such a license on behalf of the University, following consultation with the Vice Provost for Research, the INVENTORS, the General Counsel (or the General Counsel’s designee), the Treasurer (or the Treasurer’s designee) and the University Conflict of Interest Standing Committee. The IPA should be satisfied that the licensee can demonstrate management and technical capability and that it has the financial resources necessary to meet its developmental objectives and its obligations to the University. The IPA may accept EQUITY in the licensee for the University in lieu of or in addition to license or other fees, provided that the EQUITY represents a fair valuation for the technology. The IPA shall include in each license measures of performance that must be met in order to maintain the license granted by the University.

B.2 Disclosure of EQUITY. The University will require the prospective licensee to disclose all EQUITY offered to the University (and other institutions or individuals which may co-own an INVENTION with the University) in consideration for the license agreement. In addition, the prospective licensee will be required to disclose in writing to the IPA and the Treasurer the specific terms and conditions associated with such EQUITY and the current and pro forma capital structure of the venture. Furthermore, the prospective licensee and the INVENTORS must disclose to the IPA and the Treasurer in writing the EQUITY to be issued to INVENTORS for their role as founders, consultants or otherwise.

B.3 Conflicts of Interest in License Agreements Involving EQUITY. License agreements involving EQUITY must be structured to protect the University and faculty members from liability and to avoid conflicts of interest. Prior to the University executing any agreement, the INVENTOR(S) shall disclose to the IPA and the University Conflict of Interest Standing Committee, any existing or proposed consulting agreement between the INVENTOR(S) and the prospective licensee or any other consulting agreements with other entities that have potential for conflicts of interest. Upon the recommendation of the Vice Provost for Research, the University and the relevant deans may impose limitations on the proposed license agreement, associated sponsored research agreement, consulting agreement between the INVENTOR and the licensee or other agreements. In addition, the University, deans or chairs may create an oversight mechanism for the relevant INVENTORS.

B.3.1 Board Participation and Fiduciary Roles. In general, the University will not accept a position on the board of directors (or other comparable governing entity) of the licensee but may accept and exercise observer rights on such boards or comparable governing entities. Exceptions to this policy require the approval of the Executive Vice President of the University in consultation with the IPA and the General Counsel. As a matter of policy, INVENTORS may not serve on the board of directors (or other comparable governing entity) of the licensee or in any other fiduciary capacity. In general, INVENTORS may accept a seat on scientific advisory boards providing that membership on such a board does not create a fiduciary responsibility to the licensee or any of its STAKEHOLDERS.

B.3.2 Minority Ownership. The INVENTORS (and members of their families) together may not be majority STAKEHOLDERS of the venture at the time that the license agreement is negotiated and thereafter.

B.3.3 Licensee Representation. In license negotiations with the University, the prospective licensee must be represented by a party other than an INVENTOR or a member of the INVENTOR’S family.

B.4 University versus Direct Personal Ownership of EQUITY. EQUITY allocated to INVENTORS from the EQUITY POOL generally will be issued directly to the University. INVENTORS may request in writing that such EQUITY be issued directly to them at the time the EQUITY is issued if reasonably feasible, which will be considered by the IPA in consultation with the INVENTORS. The INVENTORS will be responsible for retaining their own business advisors, legal counsel and tax counsel. INVENTORS are responsible for all financial, tax and legal consequences related to the EQUITY they receive. The University Conflict of Interest Standing Committee reserves the right to require that any EQUITY issued to INVENTORS by the licensee be held in a “blind trust” for a defined period of time. An INVENTOR who receives EQUITY from the EQUITY POOL or from the licensee outside of the EQUITY POOL generally will receive a reduced INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE of ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES for the INVENTION, pursuant to Section 2.3.3.1 above, to avoid an unintended incentive to structure transactions whereby the INVENTORS retain 100% of the proceeds from their share of the EQUITY POOL and obtain 30% of the proceeds to the University when the University liquidates EQUITY held by the University. The University may agree to accept all shares of the EQUITY POOL including INVENTORS shares, provided that all INVENTORS and other institutions release the University in writing from any liability associated with the management, investment and ownership of the EQUITY. When the University accepts shares of the EQUITY POOL including INVENTORS shares, the Investment Board of the University will control the EQUITY and make all decisions regarding the management, investment and ownership of the EQUITY, in its sole discretion. Any income received by the University from EQUITY held on behalf of INVENTORS will be distributed among INVENTORS in accordance with Section 2.3.4 of the Patent and Tangible Research Policies and Procedures.

B.5 Management of EQUITY. Any EQUITY received by the University under a license agreement will be held by the Office of the Treasurer until such time that the University’s Investment Board decides to liquidate such EQUITY.

Appendix C:  Hypothetical Example

GROSS PCI REVENUES for FY 2022 equals $12,000,000.

GROSS PCI REVENUES for FY 2022 attributable to the XYZ INVENTION equals $600,000.

The PRO RATA SHARE equals 5% ($600,000 divided into $12,000,000 equals 0.05).

The INITIAL DEDUCTION equals 5% of GROSS PCI REVENUES, or $600,000 (0.05 times $12,000,000 equals $600,000). Thus, TOTAL ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES equals $11,400,000 ($12,000,000 minus the INITIAL DEDUCTION of $600,000 equals $11,400,000).

The PRO RATA SHARE of the INITIAL DEDUCTION attributable to the XYZ INVENTION equals $30,000 (0.05 times $600,000 equals $30,000).

Thus, the ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES for the XYZ INVENTION equals $570,000 ($600,000 minus $30,000 equals $570,000).

The INVENTORS PERSONAL SHARE equals 30% of ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES for the XYZ INVENTION, or $171,000 ($570,000 times 0.3 equals $171,000).

The INVENTORS RESEARCH ACTIVITY SHARE equals 12.5% of ADJUSTED PCI REVENUES for the XYZ INVENTION, or $71,250 ($570,000 times 0.125 equals $71,250).

The ADJUSTED PROCEEDS for the XYZ INVENTION equals $327,750 ($570,000 minus $171,000 and minus $71,250).

AGGREGATE PCI OPERATING COSTS for FY 2022 equals $4,500,000.

The PRO RATA SHARE of AGGREGATE PCI OPERATING COSTS attributable to the XYZ INVENTION equals $225,000 (0.05 times $4,500,000 equals $225,000).

Thus, the NET PCI INCOME for the XYZ INVENTION equals $102,750 ($327,750 minus $225,000).

The SCHOOLS OF INVENTORS SHARE equals 60% of the NET PCI INCOME for the XYZ INVENTION, or $61,650 ($102,750 times 0.6 equals $61,650).

The UNIVERSITY RESEARCH SHARE equals 40% of the NET PCI INCOME for the XYZ INVENTION, or $41,100 ($102,750 times 0.4 equals $41,100).