UR ranks among 100 global institutions for U.S. patents granted

The University of Rochester ranked No. 61 among 100 global universities and colleges for the number of U.S. utility patents granted to researchers in 2017. UR jumped three spots from last year’s top 100 rankings.

The University of California system took first place with 524 patents. In 2017, UR researchers received 42 utility patents, compared with 39 in 2016.

UR Ventures manages the commercialization of the intellectual property that arises from research at the University of Rochester. Receiving a utility patent, which restricts others from making, using, or selling a form of innovation without authorization, is among the essential first steps toward a technology or product reaching the market.

The utility patents issued to UR researchers in 2017 represent discoveries from many of the institution’s core research areas, including medical and diagnostic technologies, imaging, optics, materials, and vaccines.

One example is a cancer treatment developed by Minsoo Kim, professor of microbiology and immunology and a Wilmot Cancer Institute investigator, which was issued a patent for the innovative use of light and optics to steer killer immune cells toward tumors during immunotherapy .

“The rankings are one way to recognize the value of our research, especially in light of our size relative to the many larger universities on the list,” says Scott Catlin, associate vice president of technology ventures. “Each patent protects UR innovations, both during technical and business development, as well as once a product or service hits the market. They are an essential part of how the University gets a return on its research and government funding, as well as supporting our obligation to put our research to work for the wider benefit of humanity and the world.”

The rankings are compiled by the National Academy of Inventors and the Intellectual Property Owners Association. View the full list here.