When is an electronic dissertation or thesis at LSU made available to the public online?
A. Contact the Graduate School to inquire about its current policies, as this is an area in flux. As of the Fall 2002 preparation date of this booklet, graduate degree candidates are given the option whether to release their work worldwide, or to release it just within LSU. To err on the side of caution, it would be prudent to assume that even release within LSU would be treated as a “publication” under the patent law. As of Fall 2002, degree candidates are also offered the option to withhold the release of an electronic dissertation or thesis for a time, subject to certain restrictions. A further option is to designate different portions as available worldwide, as LSU access only, or as being withheld from access. Please contact OIP to discuss this question further as it relates to patent rights. Q.
