To set procedures regarding the ownership of intellectual properties.

Respect for intellectual labor, academic freedom, and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to inventions, works of all authors, and publishers in all media. It encompasses respect for the right to acknowledgment, right to privacy, and right to determine the form, manner, and terms of publication and distribution.

Because electronic information is volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and personal expression of others is especially critical in computer environments. Violations of integrity, including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and trade secrets and copyright, may be grounds for sanctions against members of the academic community.

1. When intellectual property is created as part of work done under an agreement between the college and an external sponsor, ownership of that intellectual property will be governed by the terms of that agreement. In the absence of such agreement or to the extent such agreement does not fully address the ownership or works produced, such works shall be treated in accordance with sections B. or C. of this section.
2. When a college employee is compensated for the specific purpose of developing online courses, hybrid courses, computer programs, visual aids, videotapes, manuals, public relations materials, or other copyrightable works, the works produced pursuant thereto and all royalties there from shall be the property of Laramie County Community College (LCCC). Such assignment shall be indicated either on the individual employment contract or in a separate document countersigned by the college employee. Intellectual property created by LCCC employees within the scope of their employment shall be owned by LCCC, but creators may retain the right to use this intellectual property but may not exploit the use of the property. If LCCC does not wish to copyright, patent, register, etc., the work, the LCCC employee may obtain a written release from the President and may then do so in his/her name. The college will respond within thirty (30) business days to a written request for release by the author.
3. When a LCCC employee develops intellectual property other than those defined in paragraphs A. or B. above, he/she shall have sole right of ownership and disposition of such works. When such works are produced, developed, or authored through the use or with the aid of LCCC facilities, personnel, or other resources, the college must be reimbursed for the fair market value of the use of any such facilities, personnel, or resources, except those considered parts of the normal academic environment including library facilities. Author(s) of manuscripts or works of art designed for publication in media where no remuneration is given are exempt from this reimbursement.
4. It is the creator’s responsibility to ensure that intellectual property does not include intellectual property owned by others. If it does include such intellectual property, the creator is responsible for obtaining the appropriate releases/permissions for the use of the material.