Why do you lock the doors of your house, car, or workplace when you leave? These everyday actions safeguard our properties from theft. But what about the products of our intellectual labor? How do we protect our research outputs from unauthorized use?
In this article, we delve into the crucial topic of intellectual property (IP) protection.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), “intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names, and images used in commerce.” Protecting IP allows individuals and institutions to earn recognition and financial benefits from their innovations and creations. This could encompass anything from a groundbreaking device to a scholarly paper published as a result of rigorous research.
As our university, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), continues to grow—evidenced by an increasing student body, a rising number of alumni, and a plethora of published papers—it’s essential to examine our progress in registered patents and research-based companies. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reported in 2020 that the IP system must balance the rights and interests of various groups, including creators, consumers, businesses, and countries at different income levels. This balance is achieved through various mechanisms. For instance, copyright protection is essential for thriving scientific publications that benefit millions globally. Similarly, patents reward inventors while promoting knowledge sharing through public patent applications, fostering innovation.
Looking at patent registration activities in Canada provides an interesting perspective. In 2022-2023, Canadian residents were granted 2,398 patents, with British Columbia accounting for 243 of these. This raises an important question: what was UNBC’s contribution to these numbers?
Fortunately, UNBC has taken significant steps to provide a framework for intellectual property and enhance awareness among students and faculty about the importance of IP protection. This knowledge is vital for fostering university-based industrial activities. Many successful businesses, such as Dropbox, Snapchat, and Reddit, originated within university settings. UNBC has the potential to nurture the next wave of innovative enterprises. However, this potential hinges on our collective understanding of how to safeguard our research outputs from unauthorized use. By empowering students and faculty with the knowledge of IP protection, we can ensure that the fruits of their intellectual labor are rightfully theirs.
In conclusion, as we foster an environment of creativity and innovation at UNBC, it is imperative that we also prioritize the protection of our intellectual property. Recognizing and protecting what is ours is not just a matter of individual achievement; it is essential for the growth and reputation of our university in the competitive landscape of academia and industry.
