What Factors Most Impact IP Engagement at Universities?

The Center for Intellectual Property Understanding (CIPU) has conducted a study evaluating the level of intellectual property (IP) engagement in the largest U.S. university entrepreneurship and innovation (E&I) programs. The goal was to determine whether the growth in entrepreneurship in the United States is linked to or influenced by intellectual property education.

CIPU's report examined E&I programs at the top 10 U.S. universities by undergraduate enrollment during the Fall 2021 semester, encompassing nearly 490,000 undergraduate students. The report defined "IP engagement" broadly as exposure to patent, trademark, or trade secret matters through coursework or extracurricular activities.

A few key findings and recommendations from the report include:

1. Interdisciplinary Approach: The study emphasized the importance of creating an interdisciplinary environment within university programs to enhance students' success in entrepreneurship and IP. Merely having a high innovation ranking wasn't a significant factor in fostering IP engagement.

2. Central Hub Facilities: Strong entrepreneurship programs often feature central hubs that connect students with resources, such as mentorship. Additionally, they offer business pitch competitions and opportunities for students to minor in entrepreneurship.

3. In-Person Learning: In-person learning was highlighted as valuable for students in building connections and networks that can be beneficial in entrepreneurship and IP.

4. Rethinking Rewards: CIPU recommended that universities revise their business pitch competition rewards to prioritize IP. Rather than offering cash prizes, they suggested providing resources for patent, trademark, or copyright application submissions. This approach can empower students and put them in a favorable position regarding their intellectual property. Georgia Tech's "Inventure Prize" is one good local example of this.

5. OnRamp Program: Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business's OnRamp program was highlighted as a model that combines corporate sponsorship with innovation education, helping students gain experience in innovation while launching their careers. CIPU recommended implementing similar corporate-sponsored programs in more universities.

6. Student Experiences: The report featured feedback from former and current students who had positive experiences with entrepreneurship programs. Some students reported that their exposure to IP rights during their undergraduate studies significantly enhanced their skills and career prospects in various fields, including medicine, law, and commercial app development.

7. Gap in IP Awareness: The report noted that some students were initially unaware of the importance of IP before enrolling in the programs. Bridging this awareness gap was highlighted as crucial for institutions seeking to promote entrepreneurship and understanding of IP among students.

In short, the CIPU report indicates that U.S. universities are increasingly incorporating IP education into their entrepreneurship and innovation programs. This information underscores the growing importance of IP education and engagement in university programs, which can have significant implications for the legal aspects of intellectual property in the future.