UToledo Among Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Patents in 2023

UToledo Among Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Patents in 2023

The University of Toledo was among the top 100 universities in the country granted U.S. utility patents in 2023.

The National Academy of Inventors annually publishes a list of the country's most prolific universities using calendar-year data provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

UToledo is credited with 14 utility patents in 2023, representing a range of innovations in science, engineering and medicine. These include a novel class of drugs to treat radiation and chemotherapy-resistant brain tumors; a polymer to detect and remove heavy metals in water; and a sensor to determine the liquid water content of snow on a surface - and ultimately to defray the hazards associated with accumulated wet snow.

Stephen Snider is the associate vice president of UToledo's Technology Transfer Office, which works with inventors to protect, market and license novel technologies.

"UToledo researchers are committed to realizing the full potential of their work to benefit society and improve the human condition," Snider said. "It's gratifying to see this commitment recognized with a spot among the top 100 universities granted utility patents in the country in 2023."

Utility patents, also referred to as "patents for invention," are the most common type of patent issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. They are granted for new or improved products and processes, and prohibit other individuals or companies from making, using or selling an invention for up to 20 years from the date of application.

The National Academy of Inventors has published a list of worldwide universities granted U.S. utility patents since 2013. Last year was the first year the academy also published a national list, on which UToledo appeared with 11 utility patents in 2022.