While UBC researchers assign ownership of intellectual property to the University when commercializing research discoveries, inventors do share in returns to the University through royalty and equity payments.

Once a license agreement is concluded, the UILO continues to monitor the agreement and, at the end of each fiscal year, assures that the royalty payments are collected and properly distributed.

After the recovery of direct licensing costs (which may include patent, consulting, prototype development and legal fees), the royalties are divided 50% to the inventor(s), 25% to the inventor's faculty, and 25% to the UBC General Purpose Operating Fund. When more than one inventor exists, the percentage division between them is decided by mutual agreement - typically the share of payments follows the same ratio as the researcher's contribution to the invention.

In certain circumstances inventors may choose to waive their share of returns.