Intellectual Property for Students and Postdocs

IP for Students and Postdocs introduces early-career researchers to intellectual property fundamentals, helping them identify, protect, and responsibly share innovations from academic and research settings.

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About this Course

IP for Students and Postdocs is a foundational course designed for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and early‑career researchers working in academic or research environments. The course explains the major forms of intellectual property—including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets—and clarifies how IP ownership and inventorship operate within organizations. Learners gain practical guidance on working with technology commercialization offices, managing disclosures, protecting ideas before publication, and understanding their individual rights and responsibilities. Together, the modules provide a clear, practical introduction to navigating IP issues encountered throughout the research lifecycle.

Language Availability: English

Suggested Audiences: Faculty, Postdocs, Research Administrators, Staff, Students

Organizational Subscription Price: $675 per year/per site for government and non-profit organizations; $750 per year/per site for for-profit organizations
Independent Learner Price: $99 per person

Course Content

Intellectual Property Basics

This module introduces intellectual property and explains the four primary types: patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Learners gain a high‑level understanding of what each form of IP protects and why IP matters in academic and research environments.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22173 (English)
Author(s): Jahanara Ali, PhD - Longitude Ventures Consulting; Eric Wagner, PhD, JD - Duke University

Patents Overview

This module focuses on patents, including the types of patents available in the United States and how long patent protection lasts. It also introduces the patent application process and key considerations relevant to academic inventors.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22174 (English)
Author(s): Jahanara Ali, PhD - Longitude Ventures Consulting; Eric Wagner, PhD, JD - Duke University

All About Patents

This module explores the components of a patent application and the steps involved in obtaining patent protection in the United States and internationally. Learners are introduced to patent prosecution and the role of patent offices in reviewing applications.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22175 (English)
Author(s): Jahanara Ali, PhD - Longitude Ventures Consulting; Eric Wagner, PhD, JD - Duke University

Patents: Commercialization and Strategic Considerations

This module explores what “quality” truly means in mixed methods research, moving beyond checklists to examine how researchers can align philosophical commitments, methodological rigor, and ethical care. It challenges learners to honor complexity, communicate integrative value clearly, and uphold accountability to disciplines, participants, and communities.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22176 (English)
Author(s): Jahanara Ali, PhD - Longitude Ventures Consulting; Eric Wagner, PhD, JD - Duke University

Technology Commercialization Office

This module describes the purpose and functions of technology commercialization offices (TCOs). Learners explore invention disclosures, the Bayh‑Dole Act, and how institutions support the transition of research innovations to practical applications.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22177 (English)
Author(s): Jahanara Ali, PhD - Longitude Ventures Consulting; Eric Wagner, PhD, JD - Duke University

Understanding Your Rights and Protecting Your IP

The final module emphasizes practical strategies for protecting IP before filing, including record‑keeping, disclosure management, and understanding inventorship. Learners also explore how to advocate for themselves and work effectively with their institution throughout the IP process.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22178 (English)
Author(s): Jahanara Ali, PhD - Longitude Ventures Consulting; Eric Wagner, PhD, JD - Duke University

FAQs

Who should take the Intellectual Property for Students and Postdocs course?

The suggested audience includes faculty, staff, students, postdocs, and research administrators who want an in-depth course on the basics of intellectual property in a university research environment.

How long does it take to complete the Intellectual Property for Students and Postdocs course?

This course consists of six required modules. Each module should take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.

What are the standard recommendations for learner groups?

This course is designed such that learners should complete all modules in the recommended sequence.

Is this course eligible for continuing medical education credits?

This course does not currently have CE/CME credits available.

Why should an organization subscribe to this course?

Organizational subscriptions provide access to the organization's affiliated members. This allows organizations to equip faculty, staff, postdocs, and administrators with the skills understand intellectual property.

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