FAQ
1. What does this acronym mean?
2. What is applied research?
3. What is ‘intellectual property’?
4. What are the college’s policies regarding intellectual property?
5. What is the difference between a patent and a copyright?
6. What can be patented?
7. Why should I patent my invention?
8. When should I apply for a patent?
9. How do I apply for a patent?
10. What sources of funding are available for my research project?
11. What is the difference between technology transfer and commercialization?
12. What is the benefit of commercialization?
1. What does this acronym mean?
Check out the acronym list.
Applied research aims to solve the practical problems of the real world. It is research concerned with the application of knowledge, material, and/or techniques directed toward the solution of an existing or anticipated problem. It includes technology transfer, rapid prototyping, and the timely development and commercialization of new products and processes. It is a key element in improving innovation and productivity, and an expanding role for Canada’s colleges and technical institutes. Applied research is an essential part of the mission of RRC. The focus is to help improve the productivity, competitiveness, and innovation of Manitoba business and industry, along with improving the educational experience of students.
3. What is ‘intellectual property’?
Intellectual property is the creation of the mind. It can be a technology, a book, a painting, etc. Intellectual property can be protected through patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial designs, integrated circuit designs, and plant breeder’s rights.
4. What are the college’s policies regarding intellectual property?
Please see the Intellectual Property and Copyright policy statement.
5. What is the difference between a patent and a copyright?
Patents cover new inventions, or a new and useful improvement of an existing invention. Copyrights provide protection for literary, artistic, dramatic, or musical work, including computer programs, and performance, sound recording, and communication signal.
The criteria for patenting are: novelty, functionality, and inventive ingenuity. That is to say that an invention must be new, useful, and it cannot be obvious to someone knowledgeable of that area.
7. Why should I patent my invention?
Your invention should be patented so that it can be commercialized. Non-patented inventions cannot be protected, so licensors have no way to prosecute infringers.
8. When should I apply for a patent?
In order to be eligible for a patent in most countries, you must apply for a patent or provisional patent before publicly disclosing the details of your invention or your research. Public disclosures include publishing in a peer journal, speaking at a conference, or posting online. Generally the disclosure must be "enabling," which is to say that the material disclosed would allow someone to duplicate the work, in order to disqualify the invention for patenting.
That said, better safe than sorry. If you are thinking of making a disclosure, please contact us, and we can take steps to protect your invention. If you have already made a disclosure and would like to know if your invention is still patentable, contact us, and we will look into the matter for you.
9. How do I apply for a patent?
Please contact us, and we will help you with your patent application.
10. What sources of funding are available for my research project?
There are numerous sources of funding available. Contact us to discuss the one most suitable for your project, or check out the Funding Opportunities.
11. What is the difference between technology transfer and commercialization?
In the broadest sense, “Technology Transfer” can be considered to be the “transfer of knowledge”, while “Technology Commercialization” is commonly considered to be the practical (industrial) application of the results of research – usually with some form of compensation from the commercialization agent to the researcher. However, it is not uncommon for these terms to be used interchangeably.
12. What is the benefit of commercialization?
Commercialization brings in royalty revenue to you, the college, or both. Royalty revenues can be used to expand and improve college resources and facilities, and to fund future research.
The commercialization of research done at the college will promote the college within the local, academic, and global communities. A higher profile for the college means easy access to research funding, such as partnerships with industry. Companies from outside of Manitoba that had previously never head of the college may decide to sponsor or contract research. A larger global profile also means higher prestige for the staff, faculty, and students of the college, which could in turn lead to higher enrolment.
