ChiefNode

45% of biotech patents are from universities

I was quoted in The Scientist the other day citing a figure that 45% of all biotech patents (in the U.S.) are university patents. I had provided more information about this statistic to the author, and want to provide that clarification here:

• The definitions of biotech vary. Obviously your definition may be different from what is used here, especially as there is no one "biotechnology" category used by the United States Patent & Trademark Office.
• This figure is not an official Association of University Technology Managers figure, as AUTM does not collect data about non-university patents.
• I advised the author to review data available at BIO (Biotechnology Industry Organization) and the Science & Engineering Indicators 2006 in order to come up with a number.
• This is not a figure that I researched, or otherwise conducted analysis to determine. I had reported to the reporter that others have cited this figure.

The impacts of MedImmune v Genetech will be felt throughout all industries which rely on patents, not solely in the field of biotechnology. I suggest interested parties contact their attorney to seek appropriate advise for management of patents and licenses.

Labels: biotech patents, universities

posted by Dana Bostrom @ 08:17