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University System of Maryland Ranks Among World’s Top Patent-Producing Institutions

New Report Lists USM 14th in U.S. Public Universities, 32nd Worldwide

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Sara Gavin sgavin@umd.edu

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COLLEGE PARK, Md.– The University of Maryland continues to excel at turning research and innovation into issued patents, according to a new report released Wednesday by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).

Together with other schools in the University System of Maryland (USM), the university ranks 14th among U.S. public institutions and 32nd in the world for patents awarded in 2022. According to the report, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) last year granted a total of 89 patents to five USM institutions, 41 of which are held by the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP).

“The fact that the University System of Maryland continues to show up on this list–and near the top–shows that our innovative ecosystem is alive and strong here in Maryland,” said Ken Porter, director of UM Ventures, College Park. “Creating a pathway for academic research to develop into patented technologies, products and services is central to our mission of serving the citizens of Maryland and making an impact on society overall.”

Innovations developed by UMCP researchers that received patents in 2022, include:

  • An automated system and method for picking crab meat, invented by Professor Yang Tao in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering.

  • Developed by Engineering Professor Min Wu and colleagues, a contact-free method for measuring heart rates during exercise using video rather than traditional methods such as electrodes on the skin, chest belts, finger clips or smart watches.

  • A targeted vaccine against RSV–a common virus particularly dangerous for infants and elderly adults–developed by Xiaoping Zhu, Professor and Chair of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, and colleagues.

  • A method for turning natural wood into a more flexible structure, invented by Materials Science and Engineering Professor Liangbing Hu and colleagues.

  • Devices and systems invented by Francisco Javier Atencia-Fernandez, a former Assistant Research Professor in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering and founder of Pathotrak, that can separate bacteria from samples, useful for testing and screening water sources, environmental sites, food sources and bodily fluids.

The National Academy of Inventors released its 2022 list to coincide with the celebration of World IP Day, which aims to highlight the role that intellectual property rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity.

In a change from past practice, the Academy has updated the requirements for the Top 100 placement to include all named assignees listed on the patent to provide a more comprehensive view of the patents held by these universities. Previously only the first named assignee was included in the count. See the full Top 100 Worldwide List here.

More information about patents and innovations at the University of Maryland is available on the UM Ventures website.


About the University of Maryland

The University of Maryland (UMD) is the state's flagship university and a leading public research institution, propelled by a $1.3 billion joint research enterprise. Located four miles from Washington, D.C., the university is dedicated to addressing the grand challenges of our time and is the nation's first Do Good campus. It is driven by a diverse and proudly inclusive community of more than 50,000 fearless Terrapins. UMD is a top producer of Fulbright scholars and offers an unparalleled student experience with more than 300 academic programs, 25 living-learning programs and 400 study abroad programs. Spurred by a culture of innovation and creativity, UMD faculty are global leaders in their field and include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners and members of the national academies. For more information about the University of Maryland, visit umd.edu.

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