Patents are a type of intellectual property (IP) protection that provide their assignee the right to prevent others from making, using or selling the patented invention.
Patents can cover compositions of matter, methods of use, processes, machines and even new methods of use of known compositions.
Issued patents secure UBC and our inventors’ rights and interests regarding the claimed invention and provide a basis through which our spinoff companies and other licensees can raise investment to further develop products and services and bring these to the market.
Learn about patentable inventions
In what circumstances does UBC file patents?
When reviewing an invention disclosure for a potential patent filing, in addition to the novelty, inventiveness and utility requirements for patenting, UBC's technology transfer managers will assess the commercial and strategic value of the patent through a full assessment of the technology. Technologies will only be considered if they have:
- a reasonable expectation of generating licensing income significantly greater than the patenting costs; or
- a strategic importance to UBC, through the promotion of societal or academic benefit.
