Unless you have an institutional policy that states otherwise, the original laboratory notebooks belong to the institution. The research and resulting IP used resources provided by the institution (space, funding, personnel, other) and from external awards made to the institution on behalf of the PI. However, an investigator is entitled to a copy of laboratory notebooks for work conducted personally or by personnel supervised. So, you can (and I think are obligated to) provide such copies. With appropriate documents completed and filed for patents pending, including assignment of the invention(s) to the institution, no legal issues should arise. Also, you might want to check to see that appropriate confidentiality agreements and other documents related to the technology transfer continue to bind the PI at the new institution...Bill
 

Bill Caskey, PhD
Director, Research & Grants Administration
Children's Mercy Hospital
2401 Gillham Road
Kansas City, MO  64108

Ph:(816) 234-3874
Fx:(816) 855-1982
E-mail:  xxxxxx@cmh.edu <mailto:xxxxxx@cmh.edu>


This communication is intended only for the use of the addressee.  It may contain information which is privileged or confidential under applicable law.  If you are not the intended recipient or the agent of the recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, copy or disclosure of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify The Children’s Mercy Hospital at 816-234-3149 or via return Internet electronic mail at xxxxxx@cmh.edu <mailto:xxxxxx@cmh.edu>  and expunge this communication without making any copies.  Thank you for your cooperation.
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@HRINET.ORG] On Behalf Of Laura Kubec
Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2006 1:31 PM
To: xxxxxx@HRINET.ORG
Subject: [RESADM-L] Who is the owner?

Dear Research Community,

Perhaps someone has run across this problem.  There is a PI that is no longer with us and went to another institution. He left behind his lab books. 

These lab books contain Intellectual Property with patents pending that belong to our Institution.  Furthermore, this technology is currently licensed to another company.

Now the PI wants his lab books.

So, who do the lab books belong to?  And, does this present any legal issues?

Thank you as always for your guidance.

 

Laura L. Kubec

Grants Administrator

Keck Graduate Institute

535 Watson Drive

Claremont, CA  91711

909-607-9313

 

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