ABOUT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER UNIT (IPTTU)
The Unit has a mandate to ensure that staff, students, and visitors of the University obtain the right type of protection for their inventions and creations to facilitate technology transfer or commercialization of research output to sustain research and impact the community.
OUR FUNCTION
- Intellectual Property Management
- Identify, evaluate, and protect intellectual property from KNUST research and innovation disclosed, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and other appropriate forms of protection.
- Manage and maintain the University's IP portfolio, monitoring patent applications, maintenance, and enforcement.
- Technology Transfer/Commercialization of Research Output
- Evaluate invention disclosures for their novelty, commercial potential, and requirements for development.
- Promote KNUST's partnership with industry, startups, and entrepreneurs to facilitate technology transfer and commercialization.
- Manage the licensing process and administer revenue or royalties generated from the commercialization of University-owned intellectual property.
- Provide IP management support to student startups at the research centers and innovation hubs.
- Research Support and Capacity Building
- Provide education and training to researchers and students on IP principles, best practices, protection, commercialization, and technology transfer.
- Offer advisory services to researchers on IP-related matters, including patentability assessments and freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Work with Grants and Research managers to develop, review, and negotiate research contracts and agreements