I think that policies very significantly from place to place, and even from field to field. I know that at USC, the policy is favorable to students in most fiel

I think that policies very significantly from place to place, and even from field to field. I know that at USC, the policy is favorable to students in most fields (http://policies.usc.edu/policies/intellectualproperty040301.pdf http://policies.usc.edu/policies/intellectualproperty040301....). Software developed by students or faculty, even if it uses things like USC computer labs or Internet access or any commonly available office supply, is owned by the creator unless it was done as a paid work product or under a specific agreement with the University. On the other side of the equation, cinema students give up most of the rights to movies they create under the explanation that significant University resources are used in the production of those movies.