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IU among top 100 worldwide universities granted U.S. patents

For Immediate Release Jun 15, 2021

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana University ranked 53rd in the “Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents 2020,” a report published by the National Academy of Inventors and the Intellectual Property Owners Association. IU moved up 18 places in the newly released 2020 rankings, advancing from 71st a year prior, after receiving 53 U.S. utility patents during the 2020 calendar year.

The National Academy of Inventors and the Intellectual Property Owners Association rank the top 100 universities worldwide by the number of utility patents granted. Published annually since 2013, the report uses data from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and highlights the vital role patents play in translating university research and innovation.

“Indiana University continues to contribute in major ways to the economic well-being of the state of Indiana and our nation, and the ability of our faculty and staff to translate cutting-edge research into commercial technologies is vital to that effort,” IU President Michael A. McRobbie said. “This latest ranking recognizes the quality of IU inventions, the impact of our investments in technology and seed funding to support collaborative faculty research initiatives, and the enormous commercial potential of IU intellectual property. It also reflects a steady growth of a new entrepreneurial spirit all across the university.”

Among the issued patents IU received in 2020 and their lead researcher are:

  • Compounds for treatment of angiogenesis-mediated diseases – Tim Corson, associate professor of ophthalmology in the IU School of Medicine.
  • Hepatitis B core protein modulators – Adam Zlotnick, professor in the IU Bloomington College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.
  • Method for generating endothelial colony-forming cell-like cells – Dr. Merv Yoder, Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the IU School of Medicine.
  • Methods and compositions for resolving components of a virus preparation – Martin Jarrold, Distinguished Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry.
  • Insulin-incretin conjugates – Richard DiMarchi, Distinguished Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry.

IU also received patents covering a variety of biomedical technologies and therapeutics, including treatments for vascular disease, cancer, hepatitis B and ophthalmic conditions. IU was also issued patents in battery technology, acute kidney injury, research tools and peripheral nerve injury treatment that IU is actively marketing to potential investors and business partners. More information on IU technologies available for licensing can be found on the IU research website.

“We are proud to be ranked among the top 100 worldwide universities for the eighth consecutive year,” said Simran Trana, associate vice president of the IU Innovation and Commercialization Office. “Important discoveries shouldn’t be confined to academic journals and conferences. Technology commercialization moves university knowledge and discoveries to the public. It is our mission to drive innovation to the market for the benefit of the public and innovators for state and global impact.”

According to the ICO’s annual report for 2020, IU researchers disclosed 149 new inventions, and 158 U.S. and foreign patents were granted.

Over the past 14 years under McRobbie’s leadership, IU received 2,500 disclosures, resulting in approximately 4,000 patent applications and 1,230 issued patents generating 531 licenses, 67 startups and $110 million in revenue.

IU Innovation and Commercialization Office

The Indiana University Innovation and Commercialization Office is tasked with the protection and commercialization of technology emanating from innovations by IU researchers. Since 1997, IU research has generated almost 3,200 inventions resulting in more than 4,800 global patent applications. These discoveries have generated more than $145 million in licensing and royalty income, including more than $115 million in funding for IU departments, labs and inventors.

IU Research

IU’s world-class researchers have driven innovation and creative initiatives that matter for 200 years. From curing testicular cancer to collaborating with NASA to search for life on Mars, IU has earned its reputation as a world-class research institution. Supported by $854 million last year from federal, foundation, and other external support, IU researchers are building collaborations and uncovering new solutions that improve lives in Indiana and around the globe.

Media Contact

Office of the Vice President for Research

Nicole Wilkins

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