Abstract:
The patent system encourages local creative and inventive activity, as well as technology transfer,
scientific and technological development, and socio-economic prosperity. Various Ethiopian
universities have filed a few patent applications. This study aims to investigate the status of patent
protection and the patentability of innovations and technologies at Ethiopian science and
technology universities. The research is conducted at Addis Ababa science and technology
university and Adama science and technology university. In this study, a cross-sectional research
design was employed, as well as a qualitative and quantitative research technique used. To choose
study subjects, the non-probability sampling technique will be employed using purposeful selection
to get information from respondents, primary data collecting techniques such as questionnaires,
semi-structured interviews, and document analysis from the Ethiopian intellectual property
authority are used.
In addition, secondary data sources, such as annual reports and websites, are used as data sources
for this study. SPSS Version 25 was used to analyze the collected data using descriptive analysis
and inferential statistics. 89% of respondents took part in this survey. The results of the study
revealed that eleven patents were certified by both institutions: Addis Ababa science and
technology university has a total of nine granted utility models, while Adama science and
technology university has two granted utility models. The study provided a conceptual framework
to assess patentability and patent protection at the institutional level and in their current state. As
a recommendation, universities should emphasize increasing intellectual property ownership if
they need a more robust understanding of patents. Their technology transfer offices may help
bridge this knowledge gap, and they should address IP policies
