Analytical Framework for Identifying Universities and Public Research Institutes Intellectual Property Misassignment

ABSTRACT This research analyzes intellectual property (IP) management in Brazilian scientific, technological, and innovation (STI) institutions, focusing on the phenomenon of IP outside universities and public research institutes—also referred to as IP misassignment—and its implications for patent ownership. Adopting a quantitative and descriptive approach, the study employs a case study at a public university. Patentometric analysis revealed that 52% of the inventors’ IP filings were not properly assigned to the institution. The most frequent deviation was the improper use of IP information belonging to the institution for economic exploitation (56 cases), followed by the appropriation of ownership by the inventor (34 cases). These findings highlight the diversion of intellectual capital generated with public resources. To address this systemic challenge, the research proposes a six-step framework designed to support Technological Innovation Centers, which, according to the literature, are related to various areas, such as Health, Biomedicine, Engineering, Physical and Life Sciences, Aerospace, and Defense, in monitoring, quantifying, and proactively mitigating such deviations. Ultimately, the study contributes as an essential diagnostic tool for strategic IP management, strengthening the protection of intellectual capital and ensuring appropriate social and economic returns from academic inventions.