McGill lands most U.S. patents

McGill University topped the Canadian University charts in the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) 2004 Licensing Survey. McGill applied for and was issued 20 percent of U.S. patents issued to Canadian universities. The American Patent and Trademark Office issued more than 3,800 U.S. patents in 2004 to universities responding to the AUTM Licensing Survey.

McGill researchers have been the force behind all kinds of new objects and ideas that are supposed to make our lives better. For example, we hold patents for a variety of strawberry; a cellulose-based carbon material that removes odors in the air; a dental implant aid; and a design for affordable housing.

These patent grants mean that the McGill-affiliated companies have the exclusive right to make, use and sell the object of the patent.

Catherine Paquette