Unlocking the Value of Your Research: An Introduction to Intellectual Property

The Intellectual Property (IP) webinar titled: “Unlocking the Value of Your Research: An Introduction to Intellectual Property“, hosted by the University of the Western Cape and SANORD, featured presentations by Prof. Priscilla Baker and Dr. Ana Casanueva on intellectual property (IP) protection for researchers.

Prof. Baker provided an introductory overview of why IP protection matters for universities, explaining the difference between ideas and actual IP assets, while Dr. Casanueva delved deeper into the specific types of IP rights including patents, trademarks, copyright, designs, and plant breeders’ rights. The presenters shared real examples from university research projects, including a failed patent application for an anti-cancer plant extract due to the lack of inventiveness and a successful case involving a plant extract granted patent protection as a bio-stimulant.

The session concluded with a Q&A where participants sought clarification on IP ownership rights for students and researchers, particularly regarding thesis copyright and commercialization benefits.