Intellectual Property Policy

The aim of PUB in fostering Research & Development (R&D) is to fulfill its mission, that is to (i) increase water resources, (ii) keep costs competitive, and (iii) manage water quality and security, as well as to meet its business objectives whilst benefiting Singapore as a whole.

An objective of PUB’s Intellectual Property (IP) Policy is, therefore, to derive for PUB an equitable share or interest in the IP derived from R&D projects, whilst supporting PUB’s mission of providing adequate water supply at affordable cost, and creating value and growing the overall water industry in Singapore. This delicate balance, together with a need to comply with PUB’s obligations as a government agency, lies at the heart of the PUB IP Policy. Where necessary, to comply with PUB’s public and policy-based obligations while effecting its desire to appropriately exploit its IP and maintaining itself as a technology-neutral end user where possible, PUB’s commercial arm, PUB Consultants Pte Ltd (PUBC), will execute PUB’s IP commercialisation opportunities.

In doing its research, PUB undertakes many collaborations with external parties, such as universities, research institutions as well as industries and other water players.

As a general rule for collaboration with non-commercial entities such as universities and research institutions, IP arising out of the project collaboration, which we term Foreground IP, will be jointly owned where both parties have jointly developed the project IP.

PUB takes slightly different approach for collaboration with commercial entities. Taking into account the different types of projects that can be undertaken by PUB with industry and the multiple IP commercialisation models that might be employed, PUB will have to do a delicate balance between achieving PUB’s mission of adequate water supply at affordable cost and the desire to own the IP generated. As a guiding principle, for collaboration with commercial entities, meeting our mission will take precedence over the desire to own the IP provided that PUB enjoys royalty-free use of the IP. This is to promote the creation of a global environment & water hub for business, investment, research and technology.

The policy described above is intended as a broad guideline. However, we are aware that each case may have its unique circumstances that have to be individually weighed against PUB’s objectives. Separate consideration will be given in a case-by-case basis to ensure that the policy is fairly applied and that PUB’s mission is achieved. As these issues are complex and constantly evolving, this policy is reviewed regularly to be consistent with mandatory government agency IP policies and standards, as well as IP best practices.