Intellectual property in industry and academia: Where interests merge?

Abstract

Optical metrology presents a fusion of avant-garde science and industrial practicality. That's why business aspects are always of interest in this field. In this paper we analyze different types of intellectual property (IP) relevant to optical metrology, as well as peculiarities and limitations of IP protection in academia and industry. Traditionally, IP is considered being valuable assets for a company to achieve a commercial success. Alternatively, when 30+ years ago the right was given to academia to retain their inventions, the primary focus of this law was on dissemination of knowledge and stimulation of technological progress. This paper analyzes differences and common features in academic and industrial IP strategies and the ways to profit from those differences. We paid special attention to certain distinctions in IP laws in various countries, which is important due to the growth of international cooperation, outsourcing and multi-national character of companies. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.