The University of Houston ranks among the top 100 global universities for the number of utility patents issued in 2022 on a list published today by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) in celebration of World IP Day.
Since 2013, the academy has released the rankings based on calendar year data provided by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The University of Houston had 32 patents granted last year, joining the University of Texas and Texas A&M as the only Texas universities on the top 100 list.
Utility patents are among the most valuable assets in the world because they give inventors exclusive commercial rights to producing and utilizing the latest technologies. UH has ranked among the top 100 global universities for seven of the past eight years.
“The innovation ecosystem at the University of Houston is strong as we aim to create new technologies that advance Houston’s innovation economy,” said Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president of energy and innovation at UH. “This ranking reflects the dedication of our faculty researchers who push the boundaries of knowledge and discovery to improve the quality of life for society at large.”
Among the UH discoveries that were issued utility patents last year is a new electric vehicle battery charger, ultra-thin superconducting tape, and a weather-resistant, fungal-resistant and stain-resistant coating for wood, masonry or other porous materials.
"As we celebrate World IP Day, I am so pleased to see this evidence of the international impact of research and innovation conducted at academic institutions around the globe,” said Kathi Vidal, under secretary of commerce for intellectual property and director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. “On this special day, we at the USPTO pledge to do all we can to maintain a strong intellectual property system here at home and around the world."
The National Academy of Inventors is a member organization comprising U.S. and international universities, and governmental and non-profit research institutes, with over 4,000 individual inventor members and Fellows spanning more than 250 institutions worldwide. It was founded in 2010 to recognize and encourage inventors with patents issued from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation, encourage the disclosure of intellectual property, educate, and mentor innovative students, and translate the inventions of its members to benefit society
“Throughout its existence, the National Academy of Inventors has sought to quantify with hard data, the vital role research and patented technology developed at academic institutions play in our society”, said Paul Sanberg, president of the academy. “Nothing we do more clearly illustrates that point than this annual report. We will continue to seek other ways to reinforce that message. I will be announcing next steps in that regard during our Annual Meeting in Washington DC June 25-27.”