Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1954 [PAGE 1189]

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n86

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[December 16

Ellen Ridley, former Research Assistant in the College of Medicine, reports the development of a process for extraction of cholinesterase, a laboratory biochemical method for the extraction of cholinesterase from human red blood corpuscles. After careful investigation of the conditions under which this process was developed, the Committee has reached the conclusion that it is doubtful that this is a patentable invention and it is even more doubtful that it would be of any value to the University. Hence, the Committee recommends that it be released to Miss Ridley. I concur in these recommendations.

On motion of Mr. Bissell, these recommendations were approved.

STAFF AGREEMENTS W I T H ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION LABORATORIES (3) From time to time, it is desirable for University staff members to work within the organized laboratories of the Atomic Energy Commission, such as Argonne, Brookhaven, and Los Alamos, and to have access to unpublished information relative to the work of AEC. In these situations, A E C requests the staff member to sign a contract specifically setting forth the terms under which this work is carried on. The University is requested to authorize the execution of such a contract, although not formally becoming a party thereto. The patent provisions of such contracts may be summarized as follows: "For any invention or discovery arising out of access to the facilities and/or unpublished information of the Laboratory and pertaining to the work of the Laboratory, during the period of this agreement, the Atomic Energy Commission shall have the sole power to determine whether or not a patent application shall be filed and to determine the disposition of the title to the rights under any application or patents that may result." T h e University Patent Committee has investigated and has found that generally it is the opinion of University staff involved that such participation in the research program of A E C is of value to the staff member. Thus, the University gains and such associations may contribute to national security. It is recognized that A E C will have sole rights as to the disposition of any inventions resulting from the research pertaining to the work of the Laboratory. Thus, A E C may assume jurisdiction in a very broad area in which work being carried on at the University with the use of University resources and facilities may be involved. Under standard University policy, title to any inventions and patents developed at the University would normally be vested in the University. Thus, the above recommendation waives the rights that would accrue to the University in such inventions.. However, the Committee is of the opinion that the possibility of a conflict of interests is remote and recommends that the execution of contracts, containing substantially the provision set forth above, be authorized by the Board of Trustees. I concur and request approval.

On motion of Mr. Herrick, authorization was given as requested.

COMMUNICATION FROM PAUL W . MURDOCK OF ALBUQUERQUE NEW MEXICO

The Secretary presented a letter received from Mr. Paul W. Murdock, Certified Public Accountant, Albuquerque, New Mexico, concerning a proposed bequest to the University which he plans to include in his will and asking if such a bequest would be acceptable to the Board of Trustees. On motion of Mr. Hickman, the Secretary was instructed to inform Mr. Murdock that his bequest would be acceptable.

COMMUNICATION FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS MEDICAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The President of the Board has received a communication from the President of the University of Illinois Medical Alumni Association