News from Harvard University

From Patents to Products

At the Wyss, we believe breakthrough discoveries can’t change the world if they don’t leave the lab. Along this (sometimes) long and winding path, from the inventors’ initial idea to a product that is available and useful, a significant milestone is when patents are granted. The issuance of patent protection by the USPTO, and other authorities worldwide, validates that our researchers have demonstrated innovations that are truly the first of their kind. This recognition also creates some valuable and legally protected rights. Patent rights attract industry and investors, which further encourages our innovative research teams to continue to develop technologies that will have a positive impact in the world. 

April 26 was designated as World Intellectual Property (IP) Day by the United Nations’ World Intellectual Property Organization in 2000 to celebrate ingenuity. 

At Harvard, the Office of Technology Development advocates for researchers’ intellectual property at the patent offices, so that our inventors receive protection, recognition, and fair value for their innovations. In 2021, Wyss Institute researchers were named inventors on 48 patents issued worldwide, with many more pending. If you are interested in learning more about the Wyss patent portfolio, please contact our Business Development Team. 

Here are some examples of Wyss technologies that have been granted patents—perhaps you’ll recognize some of them: