ECONOMIC RIGHTS TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OBJECTS, CREATED ON THE BASIS OF RESEARCH AGREEMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The article deals with the features of the distribution of economic rights between customers of basic and applied researches, research and technological development (RTD) and higher educational institutions, as executors of such researches.During the study the author has analyzed general provisions of the Civil Code of Ukraine regarding the distribution of rights to the results of basic and applied researches, research and technological development (RTD) between the customer and the executor of such researches. In addition, the author has analyzed provisions of special legislation regarding the distribution of economic rights to scientific and scientific-technical (applied) results, which are IPR objects.Based on this analysis, it has been found that the distribution of economic rights to IPR objects, which are the results of basic and applied researches, research and technological development (RTD), at the level of «customer — executor of such researches» will depend on: 1) the type IPR objects that will be created and 2) the sources of fundingof such researches. In relation to such IPR objects as inventions, utility models, industrial designs, copyright, layout designs (topographies) of integrated circuits, plant varieties, animal breeds and performances the following options for distribution of economic rights are possible:1) in case of non-budgetary financing of basic and applied researches, research and technological development (RTD) — rights belong jointly to the customer and the higher educational institution-executor of such researches. This may be changed by a contract between the customer and the executor.2) in case of budgetary financing of researches — rights belong to the higher educational institutions-executor of such researches. In addition, the legislator does not provide for the possibility to change the said provision by contractually. At the same time, the customer of such research should be assigned the right to use IPR objects for free.3) in the case of budgetary financing of the researches, while the obtained IPR objects are state secrets or objects obtained under a state defence order — rights belong to the customer of such research. This cannot be changed contractually either;4) in the case of mixed financing (own funds of the higher educational institution and budgetary funds) – rights belong to the party that will be determined contractually by the customer and the executor of the basic and applied researches, research and technological development (RTD).In the case of a scientific discovery, we can only talk about moral rights, namely – the right of attribution. Thus, the indicated object is outside of the scope of the rules regarding the distribution of economic rights.As to phonograms and videograms, the economic rights to these objects will belong to that party to research agreements that will actually “create” those objects. This can be either the customer or the executor of such researches.As to trade secrets, the economic rights will, as a general rule, belong to both the customer and higher educational institution — the executor of basic and applied researches, research and technological development (RTD). In this case, disposing of these rights will be carried out jointly. This can be changed contractually. Also, suggestions to improve the legislation of Ukraine have been made.