Research and IP

I. PREAMBLE

Atlas University affirms that discovery and invention are sacred trusts. Research is not private enterprise but worshipful participation in the divine act of creation. Therefore, all intellectual fruits produced through the resources, faculty, or students of the University belong to the covenantal household that nurtures them—Atlas University, Inc.

Ownership does not imply exploitation but stewardship; the University holds these works in trust for the glory of God and the advancement of civilization.

II. PURPOSE

This Manual defines the standards, procedures, and rights governing research, invention, authorship, and dissemination at Atlas University. Its goals are to:

  1. Protect the University’s legal and moral ownership of intellectual property.

  2. Encourage innovation aligned with the University’s mission.

  3. Ensure compliance with state, federal, and international IP law.

  4. Maintain ethical integrity in research and publication.

III. SCOPE

This policy applies to all individuals affiliated with Atlas University—including faculty, researchers, staff, visiting scholars, contractors, and students—who engage in teaching, research, or creative activity supported in any way by University resources, facilities, supervision, or funding.

IV. OWNERSHIP PRINCIPLE

Section 1. Institutional Ownership

All Intellectual Property (IP) conceived, created, discovered, designed, written, programmed, recorded, or otherwise produced by any person in the course of University employment, appointment, or study shall be the sole and exclusive property of Atlas University, Inc., regardless of the medium or subsequent registration.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Patents, inventions, and discoveries

  • Research data, databases, algorithms, and software

  • Books, articles, theses, and creative works

  • Instructional materials, courseware, and recordings

  • Formulas, processes, prototypes, and designs

  • Logos, trademarks, and visual identities developed under University auspices

Section 2. Contractual Acknowledgment

Every faculty, staff, and student appointment letter shall include the following clause:

“All intellectual property conceived, developed, or produced through the resources, employment, or supervision of Atlas University, Inc. shall be and remain the exclusive property of Atlas University, Inc., to be held in trust for the glorification of God through all disciplines.”

Section 3. Moral Recognition

Creators shall receive public credit and potential revenue participation at the University’s discretion, but legal title remains with Atlas University.

V. REVENUE DISTRIBUTION

While ownership remains absolute, Atlas University affirms equitable reward for creativity.

  1. Net revenue derived from commercialization of University-owned IP shall be distributed as follows unless superseded by specific agreement:

    • 60% — Atlas University general fund (research endowment and mission advancement)

    • 25% — Creator(s) or originating research team

    • 10% — Creator’s Academy or department

    • 5% — Office of Research and Innovation (administrative costs)

  2. Distribution is made annually after deduction of direct costs, legal fees, and taxes.

  3. The University may, at its discretion, increase the creator’s share for exceptional contributions approved by the President and Board.

VI. RESEARCH GOVERNANCE

1. Office of Research and Innovation (ORI)

The ORI operates under the Provost and President and oversees:

  • Research proposal approvals and ethics compliance.

  • Grant and contract management.

  • Patent filing, licensing, and commercialization.

  • Maintenance of the Atlas Research Registry (ARR).

2. Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The IRB ensures that all research involving human or animal subjects conforms to ethical standards (45 CFR 46; 21 CFR 56) and the moral theology of human dignity.

3. Research Approval Process

All funded or unfunded research must receive ORI registration and, when applicable, IRB clearance before initiation.

VII. DISCLOSURE AND PROTECTION

  1. Disclosure Obligation — Researchers must promptly disclose all inventions or works to the ORI using the Invention Disclosure Form (Form RI-01) before public presentation or publication.

  2. Confidentiality — Until the University files for protection (patent, copyright, or trademark), all disclosures remain confidential.

  3. Publications — The University encourages open dissemination after protection steps are secured and subject matter complies with ethical and security policies.

VIII. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

1. Patents and Inventions

  • The ORI, in consultation with outside patent counsel, files all patent applications in the name of Atlas University, Inc.

  • Inventors cooperate fully in signing assignments and supporting documentation.

  • Commercial licensing is administered through the Atlas Innovation Office, ensuring alignment with institutional values.

2. Copyrights

  • Copyright in all works created under University auspices automatically vests in the University.

  • The University may release or license rights for external publication under written agreement, retaining perpetual non-exclusive rights for educational use.

3. Trademarks and Branding

The Atlas name, crest, seal, motto, and derivative marks are trademarks of Atlas University, Inc. Unauthorized use is prohibited and enforceable under 15 U.S.C. § 1125 (Lanham Act).

IX. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND OUTSIDE WORK

  1. Faculty and staff must disclose any external consulting, business interests, or inventions conducted independently.

  2. External work utilizing University resources requires prior written approval from the Provost.

  3. Failure to disclose constitutes breach of contract and forfeiture of revenue participation.

X. RESEARCH ETHICS AND INTEGRITY

Atlas University enforces the highest standards of honesty and responsibility in research.

Prohibited Conduct

  • Fabrication or falsification of data

  • Plagiarism

  • Misuse of funds or human subjects

  • Unauthorized release of confidential information

  • Conduct contrary to the moral law or dignity of human life

Investigation Procedure

Allegations are investigated by the Research Integrity Committee (RIC). Findings reported to the Provost and, if necessary, to the Board of Trustees. Sanctions may include reprimand, suspension, termination, or civil action.

XI. SPIRITUAL AND ETHICAL FRAMEWORK

Research is a form of worship. Discovery must serve restoration, not corruption; healing, not harm. The University therefore prohibits participation in:

  • Research destructive of human embryos or dignity of life.

  • Weapons development.

  • Experiments violating scriptural ethics or human conscience.

  • Technologies of deception, exploitation, or spiritual harm.

XII. DATA AND RECORD RETENTION

  • Research data retained for a minimum of seven (7) years after publication or project completion.

  • Original laboratory notebooks and digital data remain property of the University and must be surrendered upon request or termination.

  • The ORI maintains secure digital archives under FERPA and HIPAA compliance.

XIII. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Disputes concerning ownership, inventorship, or revenue distribution shall be mediated internally through the Office of Research and Innovation. If unresolved, matters are adjudicated by the President and final appeal lies with the Board of Trustees.

XIV. EDUCATION AND TRAINING

All faculty, staff, and graduate students engaged in research must complete annual certification in:

  • Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

  • Intellectual Property Awareness

  • Data Security and Confidentiality

  • Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure

Completion recorded in the Atlas Compliance Registry.

XV. AMENDMENT

This Manual may be amended by recommendation of the Provost, approval by the President, and ratification by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Trustees. Amendments take effect immediately upon adoption and supersede prior versions.