Every year at DigiPen, dozens of interdisciplinary student teams release original game and animated film projects that promote innovation and foster creative ideas. DigiPen owns the Intellectual Property (IP) rights to these student-created projects, but there are options for students and alumni interested in commercializing their work and turning student projects into real-world opportunities.
See our Intellectual Property Policy for the full breakdown.
We’ve rounded up the most frequently asked questions our students ask about the IP Policy to help you understand how students can obtain IP rights for use outside their degree programs.
Who Owns What You Create?
By default, DigiPen owns the IP rights to student-created projects developed using school resources or as part of coursework. However, we’ve created a clear and student-friendly process to transfer IP rights to a student-founded company or yourself as an individual if you wish to commercialize your work.
Want to Start a Company Around Your Project?
You can request a transfer of IP rights to your legally formed business entity or to an individual. To do this:
All students who officially contributed to the project must agree in writing.
DigiPen reviews the request to verify the above bullet point is completed.
Once approved, your entity owns the IP and can continue development or even sell it, while DigiPen retains some royalty rights.
How Do Royalties Work?
If your project generates revenue:
DigiPen Foundation receives 5% of gross revenue (over $10,000) from the original version, including updates made to that version.
DigiPen Foundation receives 2.5% from sequels or derivative versions.
The DigiPen Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit entity. Its mission is to fund affordability and emergency scholarships and grants for DigiPen students. All royalties paid will be used for the purpose of affordability and emergency scholarships only.
If DigiPen acts as the publisher, it will calculate and remit net revenue back to your company.
Using Software in Your Project?
If you used educational or trial software during development, it is the company that owns the IP’s responsibility to ensure properly licensed versions are used before releasing the product commercially.
Can DigiPen Showcase My Work?
Yes! DigiPen may feature your project in student showcases, websites, or promotional materials as part of celebrating alumni success. Our community succeeds together!
What’s the First Step?
Check out the DigiPen Institute of Technology Intellectual Property Policy and then talk to your faculty advisor or program lead. They can help you start the IP release request process and ensure all documents are submitted properly.