Bernhard J. Arnolds: "From Invention to Innovation - Intellectual Property Management at Freiburg University"

Prof. Dr. Bernhard J. Arnolds
ZFT - Zentralstelle Forschungsfoerderung und Technologietransfer, University of Freiburg

From Invention to Innovation - Intellectual Property Management at Freiburg University

Inventions greatly influence the economical development of industrial nations. Poor in natural resources Germany sets its future in a knowledge-based society. Regarding the legal framework, in nearly all countries the rights of use of an employee invention belong to the employer even in the scientific world. At Freiburg University, the ZFT patenting and licensing office is responsible for all aspects with respect to inventions. Currently, Freiburg University holds second place in the overall number of patent applications made in Germany. The objective of patent management and exploitation activities is to realize innova-tions leading to successful new products on the market. Whereas the patent and in-novation management of leading US universities leads to a license income of millions of dollars per year, the majority of European universities lack this source. What are the reasons for this and how can this be countered and improved? This FRIAS talk will give an overview about the reasons and will present possible solutions.