M&C in the news - Untapped potential: Scottish universities need to do more with IP

In a recent article for The Herald, Richard Gibbs, Partner and Office Managing Partner at Marks & Clerk Glasgow, addresses the intellectual property landscape for Scottish universities and their potential for growth.

Despite Scotland's impressive concentration of higher education research facilities, a European Patent Office (EPO) study reveals that nearly half of UK university European patent applications originate from just four English institutions. This disparity highlights room for improvement in how Scottish universities leverage their innovations.

Richard notes that effective IP protection serves multiple purposes beyond market control, particularly in sectors like healthcare where patents help maintain quality standards. He emphasises the cyclical relationship where “IP attracts investment, investment drives research and research generates IP.”

The article points to a significant gap in spin-out creation, with Scotland's seven listed universities generating fewer than half the spin-outs produced by the top four UK institutions between 2011-2023. Richard advocates for stronger commercialisation pathways and maintaining excellence in talent acquisition despite current economic challenges. 

Scotland must focus on getting its inventions out of its universities and into a local spinout network.

www.heraldscotland.com/...