Licensing Web-Based Nursing Programs, Courses, and Course Materials

With the advent of the digital information age, schools of nursing are developing and using web-based programs, courses, and course materials to meet students' needs for access and high-quality learning experiences. In an attempt to maximize scant resources, including faculty, many schools are seeking grant funding, joining consortia, or forming partnerships that require sharing of web-based course materials. Entering such collaborative arrangements usually requires licensing agreements to transfer intellectual capital. This article explains licensing and the related concepts of intellectual property, copyright, and technology transfer. It also identifies the advantages and disadvantages of licensing and describes a licensing process.