Recent overview in Forbes by Stephen Key, member of the Communications Committee of CIPU (Center for Intellectual Property Understanding) – Aug 29, 2022
Some extracts of the article include:
IP is a tool for creative people to share their ingenuity with the world, and be compensated for it. Patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets enable people to claim ownership over and invest in what they invent, make, and build. IP is relevant to each of us, because the only way to solve humanity’s pressing problems is by empowering people with ideas to step up to the plate.
Unfortunately, few people outside of the innovation ecosystem understand the value of IP. Lack of IP education is widespread among every type of educational institution. While the K-12 invention education movement has made admirable strides, not even elite business schools require their students to learn about IP. People who are aware of what intellectual property is still express uncertainty about how it works.
Part of this problem stems from the disconnect between how IP is defined legally and how it actually functions in the context of business. Unfortunately, much of the information you can find about patents online is dry, boring, and difficult to understand.
In reality, how IP is used to transform ideas into products and services that benefit others is dynamic, complex, and fascinating. No two invention journeys are exactly the same. There is much to be gained by studying these stories, including commonalities and takeaways about how to become successful, which every innovator wants to know.
Strategies for bringing ideas to impact are in high demand — and it’s not only independent inventors who need this information.
A recent survey of women in academia with innovation and entrepreneurship experience published by the journal of the National Academy of Inventors revealed that their number-one request was for more training.
“The most frequently referenced topic in the open response questions was the need for training on commercialization, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship related topics,” the report states.
You can read Stephen Key’s full article in Forbes here
