KU ranks 37th among US public universities granted utility patents in 2024
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas ranked 37th among public institutions in the Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents in 2024, a list published by the National Academy of Inventors. The list showcases universities that play a pivotal role in advancing the innovation ecosystem and driving economic growth in the United States. KU ranked 59th among all universities.
The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office granted KU 36 U.S. utility patents in 2024.
“KU’s continued recognition by NAI in its list of the Top 100 Universities Granted Utility Patents is a testament to the university’s prioritization of innovation. Each of those granted patents represents a new potential opportunity for KU research to have tangible impact, either through the creation of new products or services or the creation of new businesses,” said Clifford Michaels, executive director of the KU Center for Technology Commercialization.
A utility patent, which is typically referred to as a patent for invention, is a type of intellectual property protection granted by a government authority for a new or improved product, process, machine or composition of matter. Utility patents are a fundamental tool for inventors and companies to protect their ideas and inventions, giving them a competitive edge in the marketplace, encouraging innovation and contributing to technological progress — leading to economic growth and impact.
“At a time when the landscape around research and innovation keeps changing, it is even more important to remind ourselves that patents and the proprietary rights they grant are key to maintaining our economic competitiveness,” Michaels said.
Since 2013, NAI has published the Top 100 Worldwide Universities list, with the Top 100 U.S. Universities list being introduced in 2023 to provide a more focused view of the national innovation landscape and the contributions made by U.S. academic institutions. Collectively, the universities on the 2024 Top 100 U.S. list hold more than 6,700 patents. NAI member institutions comprise 96% of the ranking and hold nearly 6,500 patents.
“In the ever-evolving innovation landscape, it is imperative that the U.S. is remaining competitive and at the forefront of today’s emerging research and technologies,” said Paul Sanberg, NAI president and founder. “Ensuring the security of intellectual property through patenting is a crucial component to this and allows those innovations to be effectively moved to market, where they can create valuable societal and economic impact. The Top 100 U.S. list celebrates U.S. universities and their inventive staff and faculty for their dedication in ensuring their innovations and IP are protected.”