UC Davis researchers are often tapped by industry for their expertise across a wide array of disciplines. UC Davis encourages faculty to participate in outside activities that benefit the university’s mission.
Consulting offers benefits to the university’s teaching and public service mission. But consulting must be accomplished within the framework of university policies with considerations that include limitations on time spent consulting, compensation plans, and the use of university resources.
In general, the university will not assert ownership to inventions conceived and/or developed by faculty during a consultancy with an outside company, if the consultancy qualifies as “permissible consulting.” There are three requirements for permissible consulting:
- The activity does not make use of university time or research facilities and/or any university resources, including gift, grant, or contract funds administered through the university.
- The activity does not incur any university obligations to other parties.
- The activity is outside the consultant’s university employment obligations (“scope of employment”).
For more specific guidance on consulting for industry, visit the Office of Research Consulting for Industry webpage or your Dean’s office, and policies can vary by unit.