Intellectual Property Policy Development: The Case of a State College in the Philippines

Abstract

The creation of the mind or Intellectual Property is an emerging concept among State Universities and Colleges, and Private Higher Education Institutions and is the cornerstone of the innovation ecosystem among academic institutions aside from research activities. This study presents the level of Intellectual Property (IP) Awareness of the employees (Teaching and Non-Teaching Personnel) of the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST) and its impact on the IP policy development of BISCAST. The study used a mixed-method type of research incorporating quantitative and descriptive analysis. The quantitative analysis utilizes a survey instrument used to assess the level of IP awareness of BISCAST employees. The survey instrument is divided into two parts, namely: IP and IP rights. The study’s descriptive component shows the impact of several initiatives of the BISCAST towards the development of the IP Policy. The survey was administered to 120 teaching personnel and 54 non-teaching personnel garnering a weighted mean of 2.85 and 1.94 interpreted as partially aware and less aware, respectively. The study reveals that an increase in utility model and industrial design applications is noted, despite partial awareness of the teaching personnel. This is attributed to the annual IP awareness seminar and workshops. The necessary factors were considered in the IP Policy’s approval tailor-suited to the needs of BISCAST, like incentives and disputes. It gave birth to the BISCAST Intellectual Property Management Unit. The approval of the BISCAST IP policy sparks the innovation ecosystem within the institution.