Online learning hub launched offering free courses on IP

PatSnap, a provider of research and development (R&D) analytics, has launched an online learning hub that will provide users with free courses on intellectual property (IP), PatSnap Academy.

This new learning hub is aimed at raising the knowledge level for a large proportion of the population who are not necessarily afforded the opportunity to learn about these legal issues in a normal setting. Usually, these technical areas — patents and IP law — are taught in universities and at law firms.

“In 2017, there is estimated to be over US$2 trillion spent on R&D globally. Without the necessary basic understanding of how patents work, and how best to use them, a growing number of ideas will never make it to the development stage, let alone make it to market,” said Duncan Clark, head of PatSnap Academy. “The encouragement of tomorrow’s most innovative minds begins with education, and the more confidently they can approach their IP strategy, the more likely we are as a society to benefit from their creativity. Our vision for PatSnap Academy is to strengthen our commitment to open innovation, and enlighten and embolden the next generation of innovators, so that they can be confident in pursuing their new ideas.”

Over 700 students and professionals have preregistered on the platform, which will be continually updated with additional content and courses. Currently, it hosts over five hours of video lessons on topics including: an introduction to patents, understanding patents and their role and how to successfully value and commercialise IP.

Users will be given personalised learning profiles so that they can keep track of the topics they have already covered. Additionally, each user will have access to a simplified IP glossary, which explains in plain terms the main terminology that is encountered in patents. At the end of each unit, users can take a test to check on their knowledge level and can request modules on specific areas of interest.