Inventions and intellectual property

EI has the expertise to guide you through the process of protecting your intellectual property and ensuring a successful translation to market.

If you believe that your latest idea, discovery or invention has a practical application, EI's experienced business team can help you exploit commercially valuable research results.

Intellectual property rights (IPR) form the basis of protection for research output and provides an incentive for further investment in the science, technology and innovation produced by the University.

Edinburgh Innovations can support you in getting advanced knowledge and understanding of intellectual property (IP). We curated free training resources for staff and students at different levels of education and knowledge.

The decision whether to patent a new idea, discovery or invention is made after evaluation and due diligence of the invention disclosure and based on commercial potential of the invention.

The University and EI have established various policies on intellectual property, including the commercial exploitation of research, student intellectual property rights and essential medicines.

We have collated answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about inventions, intellectual property and patenting.

EI's Technology Transfer team manages the commercialisation of intellectual property, contributing towards the University’s objective of ensuring its commercial development for society’s use.