At this moment, Zane's mind was buzzing, and by the end of his speech, his face had turned a bright red.
Having typed the last word, Calvin finally lifted his head, his expression clearly showing impatience. "Zane, what are you trying to prove here? Or do you really think your students' shabby data system is something to brag about?"
With a snort, Calvin stood up from his chair, leaning forward with his hands braced on the desk, looking at Zane, he continued:
"Besides, the Tech Institute is a top-secret agency. The fact that they've granted you permission to work on a project is already a privilege. What more could you possibly want?"
Zane was at a loss for words from Calvin's aggressive questioning, struggling to gather his thoughts.
He said indignantly, "That's completely beside the point. Why should my students' research have no ownership? Even if it's a confidential cooperation project, that doesn't mean you can just take their work as your own, does it?"
How is this any different from a bandit looting?
How could Mr. Belcher agree to sign this authorization?
"What do you mean by 'taking as your own'? Zane, can you think before you speak? This project is the Tech Institute's to begin with." Calvin shook his head, then tried to reason with him, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you. Some things are not as you wish them to be."
Seeing Calvin's indifferent face, Zane clenched his fingers tightly, as if he was about to crumple the authorization letter in his hands.
He realized that Calvin simply did not care about the ownership of the project, and might even be stirring the pot.
"Correct, the review has already passed, and we're just waiting to receive the certificate in a few months." Zane's lips curved slightly.
Fortunately, software copyright is somewhat special, protected by patent from the day of application. If it were any other invention, even if the preliminary review was passed, it would still require the actual certificate to have legal effect.
Calvin could tell that Zane was not joking, his expression finally showing a slight change, "Why didn't you mention applying for a patent to me?"
"So I could give Mr. Calvin a heads up to align our stories with the colleagues at the Tech Institute?" Zane couldn't contain his sarcasm.
Calvin's face darkened immediately; after all, he was the department head, "I've said it before, things don't always go as we wish. Since you've applied for patent protection, you should have at least informed me that day. It wouldn't have led to offending people at the Tech Institute."
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