Investigating The Status Of Patent Protection And The Patentability Of Innovation And Technology In Ethiopian Science And Technology Universities

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