Potential law change could hurt innovation at University of Arizona [Video]

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The University of Arizona has seen a surge in inventive output, thanks to federal funding aiding researchers in creating patented inventions . However, a potential reinterpretation of the Bayh-Dole Act could cause significant financial threats not only to the University but also to businesses and other entities involved in innovation.

The Bayh-Dole Act, enacted in 1980, has played a pivotal role in fostering innovation nationwide, allowing universities to retain ownership of inventions developed with federal funding in exchange for efforts to commercialize them.

“This has been recognized in the US and around the world as a seminal law, as an amazing piece of legislation that has driven innovation in the United States,” said Doug Hockstad, Associate Vice President of Tech Launch Arizona.

But now a proposed reinterpretation of the law could change the concept of “margin rights,” which could disrupt the current system. Under this proposal, …