Research, knowledge transfer and digital innovation in higher education
From groundbreaking academic research and innovative incubator and accelerator programmes, to trade mark, copyright and patent portfolios, a university’s intellectual property is one of its most important commercial assets. As a key market differentiator, it is critical that higher education institutions (HEIs) can identify, capture, license, monetise and protect their intellectual property and wider higher education innovation efforts.
With extensive experience and expertise in advising both universities and corporates looking to collaborate with the higher education sector, our lawyers have a unique insight into the challenges involved with the world of research and innovation in higher education – and the needs and aspirations of our higher education (HE) clients.
Our extensive international expertise, supported by our membership of Pangea Net – a trusted network of independent law firms spanning 28 jurisdictions – enables us to provide you with the necessary strategic higher education intellectual property (IP) and operational guidance you need to operate successfully in both developed and emerging economies.
What we offer
- Capturing and protecting your higher education IP assets and ensuring they remain protected.
- Exploiting higher education intellectual property, drafting and negotiating agreements on all aspects of IP use and exploitation.
- Dispute resolution, helping you to enforce your IP rights.
- Supporting the development of commercial ventures from incubator and accelerator hubs to university spinouts.
- Conducting comprehensive higher education IP audits.
- Drafting and negotiating research & development (R&D) agreements.
- Advising on international collaborations and joint ventures.
Why choose Browne Jacobson intellectual property solicitors?
Our higher education intellectual property team is ranked as the “go-to firm for heavyweight IP matters”. For more information about our intellectual property legal services in the sector and where digital innovation in higher education impacts your establishment, please contact Selina Hinchliffe.
Featured experience
A university with multiple collaborators
Advising a university with multiple collaborators on the testing phases and route to market involving patentable technology capable of cutting diesel engine missions in line with government targets and timelines.
IP ownership
Advising HEIs on the legal issues affecting IP ownership in Germany, China and the United States.
Joint venture and trading entity structures
Advising a university on its joint venture and trading entity structures for exploitation of its IP including charity and tax law support in conjunction with IP.
Manufacturing and development of technology
Advising a HEI on the manufacturing and development of technology in China.
Our expertise
Key contacts
Nick Smee
Partner
Rob Northall
Senior Associate
You may be interested in...
Online Event
Supporting universities to meet their financial duties
Online Event
EdCon 2025
Press Release
Browne Jacobson comments on the government's announcement of tuition fee rises
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected: Higher education Autumn 2024
Published Article
The pressure on western universities to divest in fossil fuels: Navigating legal complexities and environmental responsibilities
Legal Update
Working together to support student wellbeing
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Procurement Act delay: What’s the impact for higher education institutions?
Legal Update
Ten practical tips for universities handling judicial review cases
Legal Update
What the UK Covid-19 Inquiry means for higher education providers
Press Release
Browne Jacobson welcomes Professor Janice Kay CBE as higher education special adviser
Press Release
Comments on the publication of Universities UK’s (UUK) report
Legal Update
The future of university regulation
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected: Higher education Summer 2024
Legal Update
Martyn’s Law and what it means for events venues and university campuses
Opinion
Court refuses group litigation order in student group COVID claims
Press Release
General election reaction from Browne Jacobson’s education team
Press Release
New resource will support university innovation
Press Release
A review by the Migration Advisory Committee into the UK’s graduate visa route for international students
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected – Higher education Spring 2024
Legal Update
Changes to the fixed recoverable costs regime
Legal Update
OFS Consultation on freedom of speech guidance
Press Release - Firm news
Three newly-qualified solicitors join Browne Jacobson’s education team
Legal Update
New leadership for our education team
Legal Update
Holiday pay: Government change clarifies treatment of term time only workers
Legal Update
Cyber-attacks in UK universities: Why failing to prepare is no longer an option
Legal Update
Updated guidance for collaborative learning delivery in higher education
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected Higher education - Winter 2024
Legal Update
Streamlined routes for subsidies
Legal Update - Building Safety Act
Do your campus buildings comply with the latest legislation?
Legal Update
Subsidy control: Guide to streamlined routes for universities
Legal Update
Climate change: what action should we take?
Legal Update
Data protection in higher education: what to expect in 2024
Legal Update
Installing EV charge points on university campuses
Legal Update
An update on the independent review of university spin-out companies
Press Release
Our education expertise recognised in latest legal directory rankings
Guide
Education sector contracts – top 10 tips on how to get it right
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected - Higher Education Autumn 2023
Legal Update
Improving support for disabled higher education students
Legal Update - PFI expiry
PFI expiry - hope for the best, plan for the worst?
