The National Health Sciences Centre (NHSC) conducted an Intellectual Property (IP) Audit of ACT Health in late 2008 in order to identify both existing and potential intellectual property assets.   Interviews were conducted with selected research and clinical staff, throughout the whole of ACT Health including the major site of The Canberra Hospital.   Information was also gathered regarding potential IP and identifying whether opportunities to innovate, patent or commercialise have been put at risk by early disclosure of confidential information.  Drawing on its experience in commercialisation and in the medical and health fields, the NHSC also provided a subjective initial assessment of the value of the IP and in comparison with other activity in the field.

A comprehensive report on the IP Audit was prepared for ACT Health which also includes recommendations on what the next steps should be.   

Additionally an Intellectual Property and Commercialisation Seminar took place on Monday 8th December 2008 to raise awareness about IP.  Included in the seminar were the following topics - what is IP; who actually owns it; issues around jointly owned IP; risks in managing and governing IP; how it is protected and commercialised; and results from the IP Audit.

Case studies were outlined on how NSW hospitals have used research commercialisation effectively to increase research funding as well as to improve patient care.

Medical staff including support staff and medical specialists, researchers, administrative staff and anyone working in the hospital and interested in the topic, attended.

www.health.act.gov.au