Research, knowledge transfer and digital innovation in higher education
From groundbreaking academic research and innovative incubator and accelerator programmes, to trade mark, copyright and patent portfolios, a university’s intellectual property is one of its most important commercial assets. As a key market differentiator, it is critical that higher education institutions (HEIs) can identify, capture, license, monetise and protect their intellectual property and wider higher education innovation efforts.
With extensive experience and expertise in advising both universities and corporates looking to collaborate with the higher education sector, our lawyers have a unique insight into the challenges involved with the world of research and innovation in higher education – and the needs and aspirations of our higher education (HE) clients.
Our extensive international expertise, supported by our membership of Pangea Net – a trusted network of independent law firms spanning 28 jurisdictions – enables us to provide you with the necessary strategic higher education intellectual property (IP) and operational guidance you need to operate successfully in both developed and emerging economies.
What we offer
- Capturing and protecting your higher education IP assets and ensuring they remain protected.
- Exploiting higher education intellectual property, drafting and negotiating agreements on all aspects of IP use and exploitation.
- Dispute resolution, helping you to enforce your IP rights.
- Supporting the development of commercial ventures from incubator and accelerator hubs to university spinouts.
- Conducting comprehensive higher education IP audits.
- Drafting and negotiating research & development (R&D) agreements.
- Advising on international collaborations and joint ventures.
Why choose Browne Jacobson intellectual property solicitors?
Our higher education intellectual property team is ranked as the “go-to firm for heavyweight IP matters”. For more information about our intellectual property legal services in the sector and where digital innovation in higher education impacts your establishment, please contact Selina Hinchliffe.
Featured experience
A university with multiple collaborators
Advising a university with multiple collaborators on the testing phases and route to market involving patentable technology capable of cutting diesel engine missions in line with government targets and timelines.
IP ownership
Advising HEIs on the legal issues affecting IP ownership in Germany, China and the United States.
Joint venture and trading entity structures
Advising a university on its joint venture and trading entity structures for exploitation of its IP including charity and tax law support in conjunction with IP.
Manufacturing and development of technology
Advising a HEI on the manufacturing and development of technology in China.
Our expertise
Key contacts
Nick Smee
Partner
Rob Northall
Senior Associate
You may be interested in...
Legal Update
The OfS agrees a settlement with Leeds Trinity University
Legal Update
Consultation on proposed changes to Estyn inspection regime in Wales
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected, higher education: Spring 2025
Legal Update
Lessons from the 2025 cyber security breaches survey for higher education
Legal Update
Improving university governance: what we can learn from the OfS latest regulatory report
Legal Update
Royal assent for Martyn’s Law: A guide for educational institutions
Legal Update - Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act
How universities can navigate the new 'failure to prevent fraud' offence
Legal Update
A look at the High Court decision on when a café is a bar for the purposes of VAT
In Person Event
AULP Annual Conference 2025
In Person Event
Senior HR Summit 2025
Press Release
Browne Jacobson recruits Head of Higher Education from University of Nottingham
On-Demand
EdCon 2025: Top five takeaways
Press Release
Browne Jacobson bolsters education team with hires across key specialisms
Legal Update
Charities and freedom of expression
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected: Higher education Winter 2024/25
On-Demand
Handling parent complaints against staff: Panel discussion
Legal Update
Government seeks to ease the burden on universities regarding free speech obligations
Legal Update
Legal representation in student procedures: A contractual right?
On-Demand
Supporting universities to meet their financial duties
Press Release
Education predictions: What does 2025 have in store for schools, trusts and universities?
On-Demand
Pupillage open evening
Press Release
Browne Jacobson comments on the government's announcement of tuition fee rises
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected: Higher education Autumn 2024
Published Article
The pressure on western universities to divest in fossil fuels: Navigating legal complexities and environmental responsibilities
Legal Update
Working together to support student wellbeing
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Procurement Act delay: What’s the impact for higher education institutions?
Legal Update
Ten practical tips for universities handling judicial review cases
Legal Update
What the UK Covid-19 Inquiry means for higher education providers
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson welcomes Professor Janice Kay CBE as higher education special adviser
Press Release
Comments on the publication of Universities UK’s (UUK) report
Legal Update
The future of university regulation
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected: Higher education Summer 2024
Legal Update
Martyn’s Law and what it means for events venues and university campuses
Opinion
Court refuses group litigation order in student group COVID claims
Press Release
General election reaction from Browne Jacobson’s education team
Press Release
New resource will support university innovation
Press Release
A review by the Migration Advisory Committee into the UK’s graduate visa route for international students
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected – Higher education Spring 2024
Legal Update
Changes to the fixed recoverable costs regime
