Software is regularly developed in support of both research and teaching at Stanford, and questions often arise regarding ownership, management, and potential distribution of that software.

Stanford’s Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) is responsible for managing the intellectual property assets of the University.  While they are known for their licensing work related to patents, they also support students and faculty in commercializing copyrighted material, including software, where it is appropriate.  In 2015, they published a guide, entitled the Creator’s Guide to Commercializing Copyrighted Work (https://otl.stanford.edu/documents/OTLCopyrightGuide.pdf), to assist creators in understanding the commercialization and distribution issues they will face in this effort. 

OTL also offers other guidelines in relation to software, and is also available to respond to questions.  Learn more on their website (http://otl.stanford.edu/inventors/inventors_software.html).