IP Outreach Research > IP Use and Awareness
Reference
| Title: | Environmental Scan for the Education Sector - Universities and Colleges |
| Author: | [Canadian Intellectual Property Office] |
| Source: | |
| Year: | 2007 |
Details
| Subject/Type: | IP Knowledge |
| Focus: | Outreach / Education |
| Country/Territory: | Canada |
| Objective: | To obtain a snapshot of university/college intellectual property activities, actors and issues. |
| Sample: | 56 universities and colleges |
| Methodology: | E-mail and telephone interviews |
Main Findings
78.6% of institutions surveyed report offering one or more formal/informal course(s) covering intellectual property (IP). Formal courses generally target graduate students and take place under the direction of business schools, rather than in science/engineering faculties. Many universities choose to rely on their industry liaison/technology transfer office to provide lectures to students within all faculties.
Usually, IP issues are addressed in a one to two hour lecture within the framework of a more comprehensive course, and frequently rely on outside third parties to teach formal IP knowledge. Such courses often arise through individual initiatives leading to their creation.
The primary role of technology transfer offices is to raise IP awareness within the research faculty. However, they are often asked to organise lectures or seminars on IP issues for students, which is difficult due to their lack of experience, good materials and time. According to respondents, a Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) outreach program should avoid a "one size fits all" approach, and include well-written print/website materials and formal lecture-style presentations. IP training should also follow a case study approach and be international in scope.
[Date Added: Oct 21, 2008 ]